Peripheral smear
Red cells normally are the same in size and color and have a lighter-colored area in the center. The blood smear is considered normal if there is:
Abnormal results mean there is an abnormalities in the size, shape, coloring or coating of the red blood cells.
Some abnormalities may be graded on a 4-point scale:
The presence of target cells may be due to:
The presence of elliptocytes may be a sign of hereditary elliptocytosis.
The presence of fragmented cells (schistocytes) may be due to:
The presence of a type of immature red blood cell called a normoblast may be due to:
The presence of reticulocytes (more than 2% of total red cells; seen with special stain) may indicate hemolytic anemia or hemorrhage.
The presence of basophilic stippling may indicate:
The presence of sickle cells may indicate sickle cell anemia.
Newland J. The peripheral blood smear. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 161.