Peripheral Blood Smear
(Tests and Procedures)
This topic will help you understand the Peripheral Blood Smear test and how to prepare for it.
What is a Peripheral Blood Smear?
A Peripheral Blood Smear is a technique used by healthcare providers to examine red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. For this test, a healthcare professional analyzes a blood sample by closely examining the cells under a microscope.
- When is aPeripheral BloodSmear Performed?
- A doctor mayrequest this testfor several reasons:
- If you have symptoms suggesting possible blood disorders or other conditions. This is because your doctor knows that certain changes in blood cells or platelets are associated with specific diseases, such as malaria. While the test results are not a definitive diagnosis, they assist the doctor’s assessment.
If you are a candidate for stem cell transplantation, and the doctor requires more information about bone marrow and blood cells.
To confirm the effectiveness of a treatment you are receiving.
