Peripheral blood smear

Peripheral blood smear is a technique used in the examination of blood cells for the purpose of medical diagnosis. It involves spreading a drop of blood thinly onto a glass slide and then staining the blood to enhance the visibility of the cells and their details. This test is often used to diagnose, monitor, and provide information about various conditions and diseases that affect blood cells.

Procedure

The peripheral blood smear is prepared by placing a drop of blood on one end of a slide, and using a spreader slide to disperse the blood across the slide's length. The slide is then left to air dry, after which it is stained to distinguish the cells and their components.

Staining

Staining is a critical part of the blood smear because it enhances the visibility of the cells and their components. The most commonly used stain is the Romanowsky stain, although other stains like Wright's stain and Giemsa stain are also used. The choice of stain depends on the details that need to be observed.

Interpretation

The peripheral blood smear is examined under a microscope, and the cells and their components are identified and counted. The smear provides information about the number, size, and shape of the various types of blood cells. It can also reveal any abnormalities in the cells, such as changes in their size, shape, or number.

Clinical significance

The peripheral blood smear is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of many diseases and conditions that affect blood cells, including anemia, infections, and blood cancers. It can also provide information about the body's response to certain treatments and about the functioning of the bone marrow.

See also

• Blood test
• Hematology
• Complete blood count

References

Peripheral blood smear Resources
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