Reporting of laboratory data in regard to blood cell abnormalities from Red Cell Disorders: Peripheral Blood Clues to Nonneoplastic Conditions, presented by MediaLab

Erythrocyte Disorders: Peripheral Smear Review: Introduction

Reporting of laboratory data in regard to blood cell abnormalities

Laboratory data must be presented to clinicians in a user friendly way to promote effective decision making. Databases must be designed to provide clear information that leads quickly to the best patient care outcome. We continue learning how to collect and retrieve laboratory data from our machines, but we are not always in tune to how entry and retrieval of data is geared to and, more directly, influences patient care outcomes.
Examples of blood cell abnormalities on a peripheral blood smear that may immediately direct the physician to a specific diagnosis are: (1) presence of target cells as found in thalassemia or hemoglobinopathies and target cells in liver disease, particularly with obstructive jaundice; (2) burr cells as a signal of chronic renal disease and uremia; and (3)atypical neutrophil inclusions relating to genetic disorders.
Critical appraisal of such observations could add valuable clues for a diagnosis.
Laboratory professionals must establish a set of principles for orderly observation of blood cell morphology, have a clear vision of the applications of their work, and understand the potential clinical implications of their reports and interpretations.
Emphasis on values and relevance focuses on patient care outcomes and their dependency on prompt availability of results and contextual interpretations.

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