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Interpreting Results
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Peripheral Smear Examination

Also known as Peripheral Blood Film Examination
140236 40% Off
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. No special preparation is required.
  2. Clinical history is required.

Understanding Peripheral Smear Examination


What is Peripheral Smear Examination?

The Peripheral Smear Examination test is used to evaluate your blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) and note any abnormal differences in their size, shape, or other physical appearances, such as those seen in various anemias, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, or other disorders.

Human blood comprises three major components, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets, and they are essential for various physiological processes in the body. RBCs are the abundant cells in the blood that consist of a protein called hemoglobin which helps transport oxygen throughout the body. WBCs are the part of the immune system that helps protect the body against infections and other diseases. Platelets are small cell fragments that help form clots to stop bleeding after an injury. As each of these blood cell types performs vital functions in the body, determining any sort of abnormalities in them helps provide important health information.

The Peripheral Smear Examination test also known as peripheral blood smear test is advised to detect and diagnose a wide range of conditions such as anemia, parasitic infections, bleeding disorders, certain cancers, and other blood-related diseases. This test can provide important insights into the patient's overall health status and guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions. It is also helpful to check any blood anomaly when you are being treated for a disease with medications that may affect blood cell production. You may need this test when you experience symptoms such as fatigue; bruising; unusual bleeding; consistent fever; jaundice; pinpoint red dots on the skin; enlarged spleen, liver, or lymph node; and unintentional weight loss.  

No special preparation is needed for a peripheral blood smear test. You can eat or drink normally as per your daily routine. However, inform your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications, supplements, and vitamins that you are currently taking as some of them can affect your test results.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition, and formulate an overall treatment plan.

What is Peripheral Smear Examination used for?

The Peripheral Smear Examination test can be done:

  • To monitor your overall health as part of routine health checkups. 

  • When a complete blood count (CBC) test shows abnormal results. 

  • If you have symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, or fever.

  • For more information about your bone marrow and blood cells if you are going for a stem cell transplant. 

  • To identify diseases like anemia (low number of red blood cells), immune system disorders, blood cancers, bleeding disorders, etc.

  • To monitor the effects of treatments that are known to affect blood cells, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

What does Peripheral Smear Examination measure?

The Peripheral Smear Examination test is performed to check the characteristics of blood cells including:

  1. Red blood cells (RBCs)
  2. White blood cells (WBCs)
  3. Platelets

By placing the blood sample on a specifically treated slide, these blood components are analyzed under a microscope for their shape, size, and number. Any irregularity in these cells indicates blood disorders or abnormality, the presence of parasites in the blood, etc. This test is also a beneficial tool in monitoring a blood disease or deciding whether a certain medication or therapy is working effectively or not.

Interpreting Peripheral Smear Examination results


Interpretations

The abnormal results depend upon the type of blood cell affected.

The abnormal red blood cells can be seen in conditions like:

  • Iron deficiency anemia

  • Sickle cell anemia

  • Hemolytic uremic syndrome

  • Polycythemia rubra vera

The abnormal white blood cells can be seen in conditions like:

  • Acute or chronic leukemia

  • Lymphoma

  • Hepatitis C virus infection

  • HIV

  • Viral infections like Dengue

  • Fungal infections such as candidiasis

  • Parasitic infections such as pinworm

  • Other lymphoproliferative diseases

The abnormal platelets can be seen in conditions like:

  • Thrombocytopenia

  • Myeloproliferative disorders

 

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Peripheral Smear Examination


Frequently Asked Questions about Peripheral Smear Examination

Q. Why is the Peripheral Smear Examination test done?

The Peripheral Smear Examination test is usually done as a follow-up test to assess different types of blood cells when a complete blood count (CBC) test shows abnormal results. This test helps diagnose and monitor various conditions associated with blood cells.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the peripheral smear test?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting when a needle is pricked and may also experience some bleeding, which is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely, some people may also experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

Q. Which diseases or conditions can the peripheral smear blood test detect?

The peripheral smear blood test can detect diseases or problems like anemia, jaundice, blood-related cancers, and sickle cell disease and the causes of enlargement of the spleen, liver, or lymph nodes. This test can occasionally be used for detecting parasites, such as malaria, and filarial in the blood.

Q. How is the Peripheral Smear Examination test performed?

A phlebotomist (a trained professional to perform blood draws) will clean your skin using an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab or wipe, and take a blood sample from your vein using a needle. The blood sample will be stored safely and transported to the laboratory for analysis. In the laboratory, the blood sample is placed on a slide and observed under a microscope.

Q. What are the symptoms of anemia?

The common signs and symptoms of anemia include fatigue, skin pallor, shortness of breath, light-headedness, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat.

Q. Can the Peripheral Smear Examination test detect leukemia?

Yes, the Peripheral Smear Examination test can detect leukemia. It can show the changes in the number and appearance of the cells that often help diagnose leukemia. However, further testing may need to be done to confirm the diagnosis.
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Peripheral Smear Examination test price for other cities


Price inBangaloreRs. 188
Price inNew DelhiRs. 140
Price inHyderabadRs. 188
Price inMumbaiRs. 200
Price inChennaiRs. 260
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