Erythrocyte Disorders: Peripheral Smear Review: Introduction
Criteria for peripheral blood smear review
Initial analysis of the peripheral blood picture is made in most clinical laboratories with an automated instrument. Samples are selected for further analysis when quantitative or qualitative abnormalities beyond a defined standard are found.
The following are examples of quantitative RBC abnormalities that may prompt a blood smear review. Each laboratory, however, should develop its own guidelines:
Hgb: < 8 or >18 g/dL (<10 or > 21g/dL in a newborn)Hct: <20% or > 60% in adults (<40% or >65% in a newborn)MCHC: <29 g/dLMCV: <69 femtoliters (fl) or >110flFlags generated by the hematology analyzer that indicate possible red cell abnormalities or spurious resultsAny of these findings should be followed up with a peripheral blood smear review.
