Role of Peripheral Blood Smear Examination in Modern Diagnostics
Nasib Ali
*
Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Science and Technology of Meghalaya, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya-793101, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Even in the modern age of automation and molecular testing, blood smear examination (PBS) remains one of the most pragmatic and useful diagnostic tests in haematology. The direct visualisation of blood cell morphology through the examination of stained blood films cannot be replaced; there will be instances where automated haematology analysers would miss important diagnostic clues. Examining a peripheral smear is indispensable when correlating unusual results from plaque automation analyses and when exploring diagnoses such as anaemia, leukaemia, infections, and platelet disorders. Recently, advances in digital microscopy and artificial intelligence (AI) have improved accuracy and efficiency of interpreting PBS and are education tools as well. We will advocate for the relevance of peripheral blood smear examination in the current age without neglecting the diagnostic uses, technological developments, and relevance into education for laboratory professionals.
Keywords: Digital microscopy, peripheral blood smear examination, artificial intelligence, hematology