Platelet and Red Blood Cell Morphology Examination (Peripheral Blood Smear Analysis)
This test examines the shape, size, and appearance of your red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets in a small sample of your blood. It helps identify abnormalities that may signal conditions like anemia, infections, or blood disorders.
["Assesses blood cell health to detect potential red flags for blood-related conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51640-1
- Short code
- Platelet anisocytosis Bld Ql Smear
- Synonyms
- Platelet anisocytosis Bld Ql Smear
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 150
- Ref high
- 400
- Critical range
- 50 N/A – 1000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light
- CPT
- 85049
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003003
- 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 a Peripheral Blood Smear?
A peripheral blood smear involves spreading a thin layer of your blood on a microscope slide. A healthcare provider then examines the cells under a microscope to look for variations in size, shape, and count of red blood cells and platelets. This process helps visualize cellular details that standard blood tests may miss.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order a peripheral blood smear if you have symptoms like fatigue, easy bruising, pale skin, or unexplained infections. It’s also used to monitor conditions like anemia, leukemia, or other blood disorders, or to check for signs of clotting disorders or infections.
What Happens During the Test?
The test is quick and painless. A healthcare professional will take a small blood sample from your arm using a needle. The sample is then spread thinly on a slide and examined under a microscope. No special preparation is needed, but fasting may not be required.
What Are Common Findings?
Abnormalities may include microcytes (smaller-than-normal red blood cells), macrocytes (larger-than-normal RBCs), poikilocytes (irregularly shaped RBCs), or giant platelets. These can indicate underlying issues like vitamin deficiencies, genetic disorders, or chronic diseases.
Reference range
Adult: 150-400 x 10^9/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A peripheral blood smear provides detailed insights into blood health beyond basic counts. For example, it can reveal signs of anemia (e.g., pale RBCs), infections (e.g., toxic granules in neutrophils), or clotting disorders (e.g., giant platelets). Early detection of these changes can guide treatment decisions.
Short name
Peripheral Blood Smear
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Is there any preparation required before this test?
Can I eat or drink before 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy