Auer Rods, Peripheral Blood Smear — Microscopic Identification
A blood-smear test that looks for Auer rods, needle-shaped inclusions sometimes found inside abnormal white blood cells.
["Detecting Auer rods can support a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, but results must be interpreted with the rest of the blood work."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 86962-8
- Short code
- CTA UE ves-Bl W contr IV
- Synonyms
- CTA UE ves-Bl W contr IV
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct-angio
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test examines a stained blood smear under a microscope to look for Auer rods. These are needle-shaped packages of cellular material that may be present in certain abnormal white blood cells called myeloblasts.
Why might I need this test?
Auer rods may be checked when a complete blood count or blood-smear review suggests an abnormality involving white blood cells. They can provide important evidence when evaluating possible acute myeloid leukemia or related blood disorders.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, spread across a slide, and stained. A laboratory professional or hematologist then uses a microscope to examine the white blood cells for Auer rods and other abnormal features.
How do I prepare for the test?
No specific fasting or medication instructions are usually required for a routine peripheral blood smear. Follow any instructions provided by your healthcare professional, particularly if the test is being done as part of a larger evaluation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Auer rods are most strongly associated with acute myeloid leukemia, although they are not found in every case and do not establish the diagnosis by themselves. If they are detected, the result is interpreted with the complete blood count, other laboratory studies, symptoms, and possibly bone marrow testing. Their absence does not rule out acute myeloid leukemia.
Short name
Auer Rods
Frequently asked questions
What are Auer rods?
Does a positive Auer rod result mean I have leukemia?
Does the test require fasting?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy