Dysplastic Neutrophils, Peripheral Blood Smear
A peripheral blood smear test that checks neutrophils for abnormal appearance, which can help evaluate possible bone marrow disorders.
["Abnormal neutrophil appearance may suggest a bone marrow disorder, but other conditions and test results must also be considered."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 71369-3
- Short code
- Neutrophils.dysplastic Bld Ql Smear
- Synonyms
- Neutrophils.dysplastic Bld Ql Smear
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test examines the shape and structure of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, on a peripheral blood smear. It looks for dysplastic changes, meaning cells that appear abnormal or develop in an unusual way.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test when a complete blood count shows low blood cell counts or other concerning findings. It can help evaluate possible bone marrow disorders, including myelodysplastic syndromes, which are conditions in which blood cells do not develop normally.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, and a thin layer of blood is spread on a glass slide. A laboratory professional stains the cells and examines them under a microscope to identify neutrophils with abnormal shapes or features.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually needed. Follow your clinician's instructions and tell the laboratory if you have recently had a bone marrow transplant or received chemotherapy, because these can affect blood cell appearance.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Dysplastic neutrophils may occur with myelodysplastic syndromes or other bone marrow disorders. Similar changes can also result from medications, chemotherapy, infection, vitamin deficiencies, or other temporary effects, so this finding alone does not establish a diagnosis. Your clinician will interpret it with your blood counts, medical history, and possibly a bone marrow biopsy.
Short name
Dysplastic Neutrophils
Frequently asked questions
Does this test diagnose myelodysplastic syndrome?
Can dysplastic neutrophils be caused by medicines?
Do I need to fast for this test?
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.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy