Blood smear

What Is Blood Smear?

A blood smear is a laboratory test that involves microscopic examination of a patient's red blood cells. During a blood smear, a thin specimen of a patient's blood is spread on a microscope slide. The resulting stained sample can then be examined to determine the size and shape of the red blood cells, as well as the number of white blood cells present in the sample. Through microscopic examination of a patient's blood, doctors can diagnose a wide variety of diseases and conditions.

Preparation

In most cases, preparation for a blood smear is not required. In some cases however, the patient may be advised to fast for several hours before the test. In addition, the patient may be advised not to take certain medications or supplements prior to the test in order to avoid possible interference with results.

Procedure

During the procedure, a small sample of the patient's blood is obtained through a venipuncture and placed on a glass microscope slide. The sample is then smeared across the slide and allowed to dry. Once dried, the slide is typically stained with a special dye in order to make the blood cells more visible under a microscope. The slide is then examined under a microscope in order to count the number of white and red blood cells present, and to measure the size and shape of the red blood cells. If necessary, a medical professional can then further examine the blood acounts and red blood cell shapes in order to determine the presence of any medical conditions.

Types

Blood smears can be broken down into two main categories: standard blood smear and differential blood smear.

• Standard Blood Smear: During a standard blood smear, the sample is stained in order to make the red blood cells visible under a microscope. The size and shape of the red cells can then be examined in order to detect the presence of any medical conditions.
• Differential Blood Smear: During a differential blood smear, the sample is stained in order to make the white blood cells visible under a microscope. Additionally, it is also used to count the total number of white blood cells in the sample.

Risks

A blood smear is a relatively low-risk procedure. There are few risks associated with this procedure, but it is possible to experience a minor amount of discomfort during the venipuncture. Additionally, in rare cases, an infection can occur at the site of the venipuncture.

Why

A blood smear is a vital diagnostic tool used to detect a wide variety of medical conditions. Through microscopic examination of a patient's red and white blood cells, doctors are able to diagnose various types of anemia, infections, cancers, and other medical conditions. It can also be used in combination with other tests to detect and diagnose genetic disorders and infectious diseases.

When

A blood smear is typically performed when a doctor suspects the presence of a medical condition. It is commonly used to diagnose anemia, infections, autoimmune diseases, and some types of cancer. This test is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for certain medical conditions.