About Peripheral Smear
Key Highlights
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Provides a detailed, visual assessment of blood cell morphology that automated machines may miss.Essential for diagnosing specific types of anemia (like sickle cell or iron deficiency), infections, and blood cancers.Helps in monitoring disease progression and response to treatment for various hematologic conditions.Relatively quick, minimally invasive, and requires only a small blood sample from a routine venipuncture.Offers a cost-effective first-line investigation for a wide range of symptoms like unexplained fatigue, fever, or bruising.
Who is this surgery for?
- Evaluation of abnormal results from a Complete Blood Count (CBC), such as low or high cell counts.
- Suspected anemia to determine the specific type (e.g., microcytic, macrocytic, hemolytic).
- Symptoms like persistent fatigue, weakness, fever, unexplained bruising, or bleeding.
- Suspected infections (bacterial, viral, parasitic like malaria) based on white blood cell appearance.
- Diagnosis and monitoring of blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, or myelodysplastic syndromes.
- Evaluation of suspected platelet disorders or abnormalities in blood cell shape (e.g., sickle cells).
How to prepare
- Typically, no special preparation like fasting is required unless specified by your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, as some can affect blood cell appearance.
- Wear clothing that allows easy access to your arm for the blood draw.
- Stay well-hydrated before the test, as dehydration can sometimes affect blood viscosity.
Risks & possible complications
- The primary risk is associated with the blood draw (venipuncture), which is minimal.
- Minor pain, bruising, or slight bleeding at the needle puncture site.
- Very low risk of lightheadedness or fainting during or after the blood draw.
- Extremely rare risk of infection or hematoma (larger bruise) at the puncture site.
- There are no risks directly associated with the microscopic examination of the slide itself.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Recovery is immediate. You can resume normal activities right after the blood sample is taken.
- Apply gentle pressure with a cotton ball or bandage to the puncture site for a few minutes to stop any bleeding.
- Keep the bandage on for a short time as instructed. You may remove it later in the day.
- If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down until the feeling passes. Drinking water can help.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you experience significant pain, swelling, or signs of infection at the puncture site.
- Your pathologist will analyze the smear, and your doctor will discuss the results with you at a follow-up appointment.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 0 days (Immediate)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering peripheral smear in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pathology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform peripheral smear. MediFyr helps you compare pathologist specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for peripheral smear compare across other countries where we have data.
Saanvi Johnson, a 28-year-old graphic designer,...
Saanvi Johnson, a 28-year-old graphic designer, had been feeling unusually tired for months, dismissing it as work stress. When she started noticing frequent bruises on her arms and legs from minor bumps, and her gums bled easily while brushing, she grew concerned. Her primary care physician, noting her pallor and petechiae, ordered a CBC which showed a low platelet count. He recommended a peripheral smear to get a detailed look at her blood cells under a microscope. The blood draw for the smear was quick and simple, though Saanvi was anxious about what it might reveal. The pathologist's report confirmed a diagnosis of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). This definitive answer, while scary, ended months of uncertainty. Saanvi began a course of corticosteroids and is now in remission, monitoring her counts regularly. Emotionally, she shifted from fearful confusion about her mysterious symptoms to a sense of controlled vigilance, empowered by a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.
Pathologist Specialists for Peripheral Smear
Explore experienced pathologist specialists who regularly perform peripheral smear and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 33 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 33 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 29 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 29 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 27 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 23 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 20 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 20 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 19 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 19 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 18 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 18 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 18 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 15 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 13 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 10 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 6 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 22 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur