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Last Updated on 19th January 2022

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What is the Peripheral Blood Smear Test used for?

A peripheral Blood Smear test is used to diagnose any blood disorders. The test determines the size, shape, and number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Any abnormalities in the test result will help your doctor to diagnose any blood-related medical conditions.

If red blood cells are not normal, it may be due to:

Anaemia
Sickle cell anaemia
Hemolytic anaemia
Thalassemia
Bone Marrow disorders

If white blood cells are abnormal, it may indicate:

Infection
Allergies
Pinworm
HIV
Candidiasis
Lymphoma
Acute or chronic leukaemia

If the platelet results are abnormal, it could be due to thrombocytopenia, where your blood cells have a lower platelet count than the normal range. The test also helps in evaluating haemoglobin variants. Often, the test is also used to detect parasites within the blood cells, such as malaria and filarial worms.

Do not try to interpret the results yourself. Your doctor will be able to give you the correct diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.

What is included in the Peripheral Blood Smear Test?

The Peripheral Blood Smear test report consists of the observations regarding the number, size, shape, and colour of the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These cells are produced in the bone marrow and are released into the bloodstream as needed.

The test checks the shape of red blood cells, the presence of any pathogens or parasites that affect the white blood cells, and the number of platelets that could drop due to any illnesses or weakness. The peripheral blood smear test can also include information that may indicate liver disease, kidney disorders, and hypothyroidism.

Red blood cell irregularities seen on the blood smear are:

Anisocytosis – variable sizes red blood cells that may indicate anaemia
Poikilocytosis – Different shapes of red cells that include echinocytes, acanthocytes, elliptocytes, sickle cells, target cells, schistocytes, and teardrop cells,
Anisopoikilocytosis – variability in both red blood cell shape and size

White blood cells contain 5 different types of cells:

Neutrophils (10-18 µm)
Basophils (10-15 µm)
Eosinophils (10-15 µm)
Monocytes (12-20 µm)
Lymphocytes (10-12 µm)

Some of the conditions due to irregularities in white blood cells include:

Infections and inflammation – an increase in certain types of White blood cells can be observed.
Bone marrow disorders – may increase or decrease the relative or absolute number of white blood cells
Allergies – could affect the number of eosinophils
Leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or myeloproliferative neoplasm – immature white blood cells may be seen on the blood smear.

Conditions that can lead to low platelet count:

Thrombocytopenia – The platelet count is very low due to an infection or other illnesses.
Myeloproliferative disorders – Disorders that cause abnormal growth of blood cells in the bone marrow.

Procedure for Peripheral Blood Smear Test

For taking a peripheral blood sample, you would be asked to sit down on a chair with your arm extended on the armrest. The phlebotomist will first try to locate the vein on the arm and begin by cleansing the area with antiseptic. A tourniquet or a tight band might be placed on the upper arm to make the vein more visible. After that, a sterile needle will be inserted into the vein and attached to a small tube where the blood will be collected. After the needle is removed, a cotton bandage will be placed where the vein was punctured. Applying pressure on the puncture site will stop the bleeding.

If you book this test through MFine, our lab technicians will arrive at your doorstep at a chosen time slot. The technician will collect your blood sample from the vein of your arm with the help of a small needle. You may have slight pain or bruise at the spot where the needle was inserted, but it will heal quickly.

Book a Peripheral Blood Smear to check your RBC, WBC, and Platelet level!

How to prepare for the Peripheral Blood Smear Test?

No special preparation is required for the Peripheral Blood Smear test. No fasting or any other dietary restrictions for the test. Inform your doctor about the medicines that you have been taking, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or supplements, as certain medications can affect your test results. Carry a prescription if needed. You should also inform your doctor about any pre-existing health conditions that you might have, as they could result in abnormalities in your test results. Your doctor should have your relevant medical history to prevent any diagnostic errors. If you have taken the test previously, inform your doctor about your previous results so that they can be compared with the current reports.

Things to consider after the Peripheral Blood Smear Test is complete

When the test results are available, do not try to interpret the results by yourself, which can only lead to anxiety. Consult your doctor, who would interpret the results correctly and will be able to recommend the apt treatment based on the results.

What types of infection can the Peripheral Blood Smear Test detect?

The Peripheral Blood smear test can detect abnormalities in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Abnormalities in the white blood cells indicate infections or allergies such as:

Parasitic infections such as pinworm: Pinworm is an intestinal worm infection. It occurs mostly in school-going children and spreads easily.
Hepatitis C viral infection: Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation. The hepatitis C virus spreads through contaminated blood.
HIV which infects the white blood cells: HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus that weakens the immune system by destroying important cells that fight infection and diseases.
Malaria: Malaria is caused by a parasite. This parasite spreads to humans when the infected mosquitoes bite human beings.

The test can also detect filariasis, babesiosis, visceral leishmaniasis in HIV-infected individuals, and occasionally fungal infections like disseminated histoplasmosis and candidiasis.

How much does the Peripheral Blood Smear Test cost?

The Peripheral Blood Smear test is a simple procedure that involves taking a blood sample from a vein in your arm and the sample sent to accredited labs of your choice. The analysis of your blood sample is performed at the lab, and the results are noted down.

The cost of the test starts from around Rs. 100 – Rs. 200. It varies from city to city. It also depends upon your chosen lab partner.

How long does it take to get the results for the Peripheral Blood Smear Test?

You can expect to get the results for the Peripheral Blood Smear test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.

What do abnormal Peripheral Blood Smear Test results indicate?

Although the findings from the test do not give a conclusive diagnosis, these findings are quite sensitive in detecting parasitic infections. The test offers direct visuals of these parasites within our blood cells. They typically include a description of how your blood cells look. Any abnormalities in the appearance of your blood cells only indicate the presence of an underlying condition. Hence after your test, a doctor should interpret your report, and based on the case, the doctor may or may not recommend more testing.

A peripheral blood smear test is considered normal when your blood cells have a normal appearance and are sufficient in number. A peripheral blood smear test is considered abnormal if there are abnormalities in size, shape, colour, or number of cells in your blood. Abnormalities depend on the type of blood cell affected.

Disorders related to red blood cells include

Iron-deficiency anaemia, where the body does not produce sufficient red blood cells due to iron deficiency.
Sickle cell anaemia occurs when red blood cells have an abnormal shape.
A hemolytic uremic syndrome is triggered by an infection in the digestive system.
Polycythemia rubra vera

Disorders related to white blood cells include:

Acute or chronic leukaemia
Lymphoma
HIV
Hepatitis C infection
Fungal infections
Parasitic infections
Multiple myeloma

Disorders that affect platelets include:

Thrombocytopenia occurs when the number of platelets is very low due to an infection or other diseases.
Myeloproliferative disorders are a set of disorders that can cause the blood cells to grow abnormally in the bone marrow.

A blood smear test can also indicate other medical conditions, including:

Kidney disease
Liver disease
Hypothyroidism

Once you receive the results, consult your doctor, who can diagnose your condition and initiate your treatment.

Is the Peripheral Blood Smear Test a definitive test?

A Peripheral Blood Smear test is used for detecting abnormalities related to red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The reports contain an objective description of your blood cells in terms of appearance, number, and their relative percentages in the blood. Only the test may not accurately detect the underlying medical condition because there are other factors such as your medical history that play a vital role in determining the meaning of the test results. Consulting your health practitioner and following their advice is the right way to achieve the necessary medical attention. On its own, any test may not definitely diagnose the underlying medical condition, but the blood test is the first and an important step to get a relevant diagnosis.

How to read the Peripheral Blood Smear Test report?

A normal peripheral blood smear test indicates the normal appearance of red blood cells, white blood cells, and normal platelet values.

Peripheral blood smear test profile	Biological Reference Range	Unit
Leucocyte count	4000 – 11000	/µL
Platelets	150 – 450	x 103 /µL
Neutrophils	40 – 75	%
Eosinophils	0.0 – 0.6	%
Lymphocytes	20 – 45	%
Monocytes	1 – 10	%
Basophils	0 – 2	%

Book a Peripheral Blood Smear test to check your infections and allergies

Peripheral Blood Smear test at home – how does it work?

The Peripheral Blood Smear test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.

Are there any risks involved with a Peripheral Blood Smear Test?

A Peripheral Blood Smear test is a low-risk procedure, and it is usually tolerable by most people. However, there might be some minor risks that are generally associated with blood drawing or collection processes, such as fainting from the sight of blood, dizziness or vertigo, and soreness or redness at the site of puncture. You may also feel some pain, but this pain will go away quickly. There can be some bruising, and in rare cases, an infection. The risk of infection is minimized by cleaning your arm with antiseptic and with the use of a sterile needle. In case of a low platelet count, you may have persistent bleeding. Consult your doctor if you have persistent bleeding after giving your blood sample for the Peripheral Blood Smear test.

What can affect the results of the Peripheral Blood Smear Test?

Results of a Peripheral Blood Smear test may vary depending upon your age, gender, prior health conditions, the method used for testing, and other factors. Factors such as illnesses or stress can also affect your blood cell count and morphology.

Any abnormality or deviations from the reference range may not necessarily mean that you have a problem. That is why you need a doctor to examine your report and explain the meaning of the test results to you.

Why book the Peripheral Blood Smear Test?

To detect any diseases such as anemia, thalassemia, and bone marrow disorders.
To gather information about infections and allergies such as pinworms, candidiasis, and HIV
To identify liver disease, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism

Our Trusted Lab Partners for Peripheral Blood Smear Test

MFine Diagnostics

Starting at

₹225

Wellness Pathcare

Starting at

₹225

Thyrocare

Starting at

₹225

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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Is the lab technician coming for Peripheral Blood Smear test sample collection vaccinated?

Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety throughout by wearing a mask, gloves and frequently sanitizing themselves during the sample collection.

Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?

Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.

How can I download my Peripheral Blood Smear test report?

Login to MFine
Go to your profile
Click on Attachment and Reports
Click on Lab Report
Download the report

Are there any discount offers running on the Peripheral Blood Smear test?

Usually, you can avail of up to 50% discount on the peripheral blood smear test through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.

What are the symptoms associated with anaemia?

The symptoms associated with anaemia are fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, headache, and dizziness. The most common cause of anaemia is iron deficiency in your body. Iron deficiency causes a reduced number of red blood cells in your blood which reduces oxygen supply to your tissues.

What are some signs that indicate I should take a blood smear test?

Peripheral blood smears are usually conducted along with CBC tests to aid in the diagnosis of any underlying medical conditions that can influence the blood cell morphology and blood cell counts. Some common signs of such conditions are:

A general feeling of tiredness or weakness.
Lack of energy
Frequent infections
Bone and joint pain
Excessive bleeding and bruising
Fever
Weight loss
Swollen Lymph nodes or liver and spleen

How is the peripheral blood smear test performed?

Your blood sample will be collected by the lab technician by inserting a needle in the vein in your arm; the technician sends it to your chosen lab partner. A sample of your blood will be viewed under a microscope to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The appearance of the cells is observed.

What is the role of platelets in the body?

The platelets are also known as thrombocytes. These are special blood cells that help in clot formation to arrest bleeding.

What are white blood cells and their function?

White blood cells are also called leukocytes. These are immune system cells that provide immunity and fight against infections and pathogens.

If my blood smear test shows abnormal results, what additional testing might I have to do?

Depending upon the findings of the Peripheral blood smear test and the medical condition that your doctor suspects, they may recommend additional testing such as

Iron tests
Vitamin B12 and folate tests
Tests to confirm blood cancers like flow cytometry, immunophenotyping or bone marrow aspiration, and biopsy
Hemoglobinopathy evaluation