A Brief About the Blood Smear Test

A blood smear or a peripheral smear (PS) is a blood test that is used to search for abnormalities in blood cells. The test lays focus on three main blood cells:

· Red blood cells: RBCs are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body

· White blood cells: These cells assist your body in fighting infections as well as other inflammatory diseases

· Platelets: Platelets are very important for the blood clotting process

The test offers information on the shape and number of these cells, which in turn can help doctors in diagnosing specific blood disorders as well as other medical conditions.

Read on to know more about the blood smear test, why it is done, what happens when it is carried out, what the results mean, and other related information:

Why is a Blood Smear Conducted?

The blood smear test is often carried out for the diagnosis of conditions that may be causing the following symptoms:

· Sudden weight loss

· Unexplained jaundice

· Abnormal bruising

· Severe or unexpected infections

· Skin rashes or cuts

· Pain in the bones

·  Flu-like symptoms that are persistent

· Unexplained anemia (decreased levels of normal red blood cells)

If you are undergoing treatment for a blood-related condition, your doctor may order blood smear tests regularly.

What Happens at the Time of a Blood Smear?

A blood smear or a peripheral smear (PS) is a simple blood test. The injection site is cleaned and sterilized with an antiseptic. Then, a band is tied above the venous site from where the blood will be taken out. This makes your veins swell with blood. Once a vein is found, a needle is inserted directly into the vein and blood is drawn.

A majority of people experience a sharp pain when the needle first goes in, however it rapidly fades as the blood is taken out. Within a few minutes, the needle is removed, and you are asked to apply pressure at the site with a cotton ball or gauze. Next, the puncture wound is covered with a bandage and you are free to go.

The blood test is a procedure that involves very little risk. However, there are minor risks involved, some of which are:

· Vertigo or dizziness

· Infection

· Bruising

· Redness or soreness at the puncture site

What the Results Mean

A blood smear result is thought to be normal when your blood comprises of an adequate number of cells and the cells are normal in appearance. A blood smear test result is thought to be abnormal when an abnormality exists in the shape, size, number, or color of the cells in the blood.

Red blood cell disorders include sickle cell anemia, polycythemia rubra vera, iron-deficiency anemia, and hemolytic uremic syndrome. On the other hand, disorders associated with white blood cells include acute or chronic leukemia, lymphoma, HIV, etc. The disorders that affect the platelets include thrombocytopenia and myeloproliferative disorders.

These days, it is very easy for people to book the test online or to search for a "pathology or imaging center near me" to find the nearest lab where you can get the test done.