Blood Smear (Peripheral)

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A peripheral blood smear or thin film of blood on a glass slide is sometimes very useful for looking at different types of blood cells under the microscope. Various staining techniques are used to identify individual cells & it is a good diagnostic tool for haematological problems. Training & skill is required to perform this task & interpret results. Manual counts of cells can be performed at much greater accuracy than a machine counted sample, especially when abnormal cells are present. Abnormal cells can be examined & identified, again providing a good way of diagnosing various diseases & even determining their cause. Blood parasites can sometimes be seen – an instant diagnosis!

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