Blood smear
Blood smear
A blood smear (pronounced: /blʌd smɪər/) is a laboratory procedure used to evaluate the characteristics of blood cells, such as the number, type, size, and shape. It is often used in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions.
Etymology
The term "blood smear" originates from the English words "blood", referring to the vital liquid that circulates in the bodies of many animals, and "smear", meaning to spread or daub (a substance) over a surface.
Procedure
A blood smear is typically prepared by placing a drop of blood on a microscope slide, which is then spread into a thin layer. The slide is then stained to highlight the different types of blood cells and examined under a microscope. The microscope is a crucial tool in this procedure, allowing for the detailed examination of the blood cells.
Types of Blood Cells
There are three main types of blood cells that can be observed in a blood smear:
- RBCs: These are the most numerous blood cells and are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
- WBCs: These cells are part of the immune system and help the body fight off infections.
- Platelets: These are small cell fragments that play a key role in blood clotting.
Related Terms
- Hematology: This is the branch of medicine that deals with the study of blood, blood-forming organs, and blood diseases.
- CBC: This is a blood test that is often used in conjunction with a blood smear to evaluate the overall health and detect a wide range of disorders.
- Anemia: This is a condition that can be detected with a blood smear, characterized by a lack of enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Blood smear
- Wikipedia's article - Blood smear
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