A blood smear is a blood sample spread on a glass, stained with a special dye and examined under a microscope. The purpose of the test is to analyse the size and shape of the blood cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets or thrombocytes). This indicates problems in the synthesis or utilisation of the blood cells and the data are used as a prelude to further medical research.
Interpretation:The findings of the blood smear are used in the diagnosis of blood diseases, kidney diseases (acute or chronic) and cancer (leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, chronic myeloid leukaemia, etc.). This test is done when there are complaints like fatigue, jaundice, nosebleeds and undiagnosed bleeding history, fever, bone pain, anaemia, easy rashes, itching and a larger than normal spleen. In terms of erythrocyte problems, the diagnoses that may be made are anaemia, sickle cell anaemia (Mediterranean anaemia), iron deficiency anaemia, autoimmune diseases of the body targeting erythrocytes, thalassemia, bone marrow diseases, cancer with bone metastases. In terms of leukocyte findings, infection or inflammation, allergies, leukaemia, bone marrow diseases. Platelet problems may include thrombocytopenia (decreased number of cells which are responsible for clotting), hereditary platelet problems (Bernard-Soulier syndrome).
Sample: Arm or fingertip blood (EDTA)
Working day: Everyday
Result Time: Next day at 18:00
