Peripheral Smear Examination (PBS)

What Does the Peripheral Smear Test Measure?

The peripheral smear examination performs a detailed visual evaluation of your blood cells to assess their quality and appearance:

• Red Blood Cell Analysis: Examines size, shape, colour, and overall morphology to help identify types of anaemia, including iron deficiency and haemolytic anaemia.
• White Blood Cell Assessment: Identifies different types of white blood cells and detects abnormal or immature cells that may indicate infections or blood cancers.
• Platelet Evaluation: Estimates platelet numbers and observes their size to assess bleeding or clotting risks.
• Parasite Detection: Searches for blood parasites, particularly important for diagnosing malaria and other parasitic infections common in India.

Peripheral Smear Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What Symptoms May Call for a Peripheral Smear Test?

Your doctor may recommend the blood smear test if you experience persistent symptoms that could indicate a blood disorder:

• Unexplained fatigue, weakness, or constant tiredness
• Pale skin (pallor) or yellowish skin colour (jaundice)
• Frequent or recurring infections
• Unexplained fever, especially with chills
• Easy bruising or bleeding that's difficult to stop
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bone and joint pain
• Enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, or liver

Who Should Get a Peripheral Smear Test?

Several groups of people may benefit from this important blood examination:

• Patients with concerning symptoms experiencing the warning signs listed above
• Follow up patients whose Complete Blood Count (CBC) results showed abnormal findings
• High-risk individuals with a family history of genetic blood disorders like sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia.
• Patients on specific medications requiring monitoring of bone marrow function, such as those receiving chemotherapy.
• Suspected infection cases, particularly when malaria or other parasitic infections are possible.

Why Is a Peripheral Smear Test Done?

A peripheral smear test provides crucial visual details about your blood cells that automated tests cannot capture. It helps doctors confirm diagnoses, identify specific causes of blood abnormalities, and monitor treatment effectiveness.

Importance of a Peripheral Smear Test

The peripheral smear test serves as a vital diagnostic tool that complements modern automated blood testing. It provides definitive visual evidence that can pinpoint exact causes of blood disorders, such as identifying sickle-shaped cells in sickle cell anaemia or detecting malaria parasites. The test acts as a quality check on automated results, with expert pathologists providing nuanced interpretations that guide treatment decisions.

For patients with blood cancers or those undergoing chemotherapy, regular peripheral smear examinations help monitor disease progression and treatment response, making it an essential component of a comprehensive blood health assessment.

Peripheral Smear Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book a Peripheral Smear Test?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select the 'Peripheral Smear Examination', choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL- & CAP-accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for the Peripheral Smear Test Available Near You?

Yes, home blood sample collection is available for peripheral smear examination nationwide through Metropolis Healthcare. Our trained phlebotomists visit your home at your preferred time, following strict safety protocols to collect your blood sample. This service ensures you receive the same accurate, reliable results from our NABL- & CAP-accredited pathology lab network without the need to travel.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Peripheral Smear Test Report?

Reports are usually available after 4 hours once the sample reaches the lab.

Note: Reporting time and cost may vary depending on your location.

Where Can I See or Get the Peripheral Smear Test Results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting Peripheral Smear Test Results

The following table explains what different findings in your peripheral smear test may indicate:

Conditions that May Affect Peripheral Smear Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your peripheral smear test results and should be discussed with your healthcare provider:

• Severe dehydration can cause blood cells to appear more concentrated than they actually are.
• Certain medications, including blood thinners, antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs, may affect cell appearance.
• Recent blood transfusions can show mixed cell populations that may complicate interpretation.
• Sample handling issues, such as delayed processing or improper storage, can affect cell morphology.
• Underlying medical conditions, like kidney disease or liver problems, may influence blood cell characteristics.
• Recent illness or infections can temporarily alter white blood cell patterns and numbers.

How Is a Peripheral Smear Test Done?

The peripheral smear test follows a systematic laboratory process to examine your blood cells:

• A small blood sample (1 ml) is collected in an EDTA tube to prevent clotting.
• A thin layer of blood is spread across a glass slide using a spreader slide.
• The blood film is air-dried and stained with Wright's or Giemsa stain.
• A trained pathologist examines the stained slide under high-powered microscopy.
• Different areas of the slide are systematically reviewed for cell morphology.
• The pathologist counts and identifies various cell types manually.
• Abnormal cells, parasites, or unusual findings are documented and reported.

How Should You Prepare for a Peripheral Smear Test?

Preparing for your peripheral smear test is straightforward and requires minimal effort:

• No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test.
• Continue regular medications: Take your usual medicines unless your doctor specifically advises otherwise.
• Inform about all medications: Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies you're taking.
• Stay well-hydrated: Drink adequate water before your test to ensure proper blood flow.
• Wear comfortable clothing: Choose clothes with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for blood collection.
• Bring medical history: Carry any previous blood test reports or relevant medical records.

Diseases that a Peripheral Smear Test Can Help Detect

The peripheral smear examination can help identify various blood-related conditions and health risks:

• Iron deficiency anaemia and other types of anaemia
• Sickle cell disease and thalassaemia
• Malaria and other parasitic blood infections
• Leukaemia and other blood cancers
• Bacterial and viral infections
• Platelet disorders affecting blood clotting
• Hereditary blood cell abnormalities
• Side effects of medications on blood cells

Peripheral Smear Tests/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

The following table shows related tests and packages available with Metropolis Healthcare:

Peripheral Smear Test Prices in Different Cities

The cost of a peripheral smear test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities: