Additional comments on this exercise from White Cell and Platelet Disorders: Peripheral Blood Clues to Nonneoplastic Conditions, presented by MediaLab

White Blood Cell Disorders and Platelets:: Peripheral Smear Review Introduction

Additional comments on this exercise

The following pages in this presentation includes a series of white blood cell abnormalities that may be identified in a peripheral blood smear.
Many of the cases will simulate the practice of a peripheral smear review by a hematology morphologist. He/she must asses what responses in patient care may be triggered by the clinician attempting to interpret the reported findings on a peripheral smear
Observations of white blood cell abnormalities in the peripheral blood smear should be reported so as to direct the physician to an immediate specific diagnosis, such as: (1) atypical lymphocytes suggesting infectious mononucleosis rather than leukemia, (2) toxic granules in neutrophils as in acute infections, or atypical granules suggesting a genetic disorder, (3) an unusual mix of cells, such as too many or too few neutrophils, monocytes, or other myeloid cells, and (4) the presence of giant platelets, myelocytes, or other cells suggesting a myelodysplastic syndrome.
In summary, laboratory data should be presented to clinicians in a user friendly way to promote effective decision making. The design of the data base of information must be directed toward providing clinically helpful information clearly and quickly in order to facilitate appropriate action in terms of optimizing patient care outcomes.

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