Complete Blood Counts With Smear

• Test Name: Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Peripheral Blood Smear
• Test Type: Hematology test
• Specimen Required: Blood sample (whole blood)
• Methodology: Automated haematology analyzer and microscopic examination
• Purpose: Measures and evaluates the components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and haemoglobin, and provides a visual assessment of blood cell morphology through a peripheral blood smear.

• General Health Evaluation: Assesses overall health and screens for a variety of conditions, such as anaemia, infection, and other haematological disorders.
• Diagnosis: Helps diagnose conditions like anaemia, leukaemia, infections, and other blood-related diseases by evaluating the number, size, shape, and appearance of blood cells.
• Monitoring: Monitors the effectiveness of treatments for conditions affecting the blood, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or medications for anaemia.
• Pre-Surgical Assessment: Used in preoperative evaluations to ensure a patient’s blood parameters are within a safe range before surgery.
• Infection Detection: Helps identify and monitor infections by assessing white blood cell count and morphology.

• Components:
  • Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count: Measures the number of red blood cells.
  • Hemoglobin (Hb): Measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood.
  • Hematocrit (Hct): Measures the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.
  • White Blood Cell (WBC) Count: Measures the number of white blood cells.
  • Platelet Count: Measures the number of platelets in the blood.
  • Differential Count: Breaks down the types of white blood cells (e.g., neutrophils, lymphocytes).
  • Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Measures the average size of red blood cells.
  • Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): Measures the average amount of haemoglobin per red blood cell.
  • Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): Measures the average concentration of haemoglobin in red blood cells.
  • Peripheral Blood Smear: Microscopic examination of blood cells to assess morphology and detect abnormalities
     
• Procedure:
  • A blood sample is drawn from the patient and processed using an automated haematology analyzer.
  • A peripheral blood smear is prepared and stained for microscopic examination.
  • Blood cell counts and morphologies are analyzed, and abnormalities are noted.

• Normal Findings: Blood cell counts and morphologies are within the normal reference ranges, indicating no significant haematological abnormalities.
• Abnormal Findings: Deviations from normal ranges in cell counts or abnormal cell morphology may indicate conditions such as anaemia, infection, leukaemia, or other blood disorders.
• Specific Indicators:
  • Anaemia: Low RBC count, haemoglobin, and hematocrit levels, with possible abnormal RBC shapes.
  • Infection: Elevated WBC count, particularly neutrophils or lymphocytes, with possible signs of immature or atypical cells.
  • Leukaemia: Abnormal WBC count with the presence of immature or blast cells in the smear.
• Clinical Correlation: Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests for accurate diagnosis.

• Qualitative and Quantitative: Provides both quantitative measurements (e.g., cell counts) and qualitative assessments (e.g., cell morphology).
• Interpretation: Results are interpreted based on established reference ranges and the patient’s clinical history.
• Report: A detailed report includes numerical values for each blood component, visual findings from the smear, and any noted abnormalities.
• Turnaround Time: Typically available within a few hours to 1 day, depending on the laboratory.

Q. What is a Complete Blood Count (CBC) with a Smear Test?
This test measures the number of different blood cells and examines their appearance under a microscope to assess overall health and detect blood disorders
 

Q. Why was a CBC with a smear test ordered?
It is ordered to evaluate overall health, diagnose conditions like anaemia or infections, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments affecting blood cells
 

Q. How is the CBC with Smear Test performed?
A blood sample is taken and analyzed using an automated machine for cell counts, and a blood smear is examined under a microscope for cell morphology
 

Q. What can the CBC with Smear Test diagnose?
It can help diagnose anaemia, infections, leukaemia, and other blood disorders by assessing the number, size, shape, and appearance of blood cells
 

Q. Do I need to prepare for a CBC with Smear Test?
No special preparation is needed, but you should inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking that could affect the results
 

Q. What do abnormal results mean on a CBC with Smear Test?
Abnormal results can indicate various conditions such as anaemia, infection, or blood disorders like leukaemia. Further tests may be needed to determine the exact cause
 

Q. How long does it take to get results from a CBC with Smear Test?
Results are typically available within a few hours to 1 day after the blood sample is collected and analyzed