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Choose collection locationHaematology · Individual laboratory test
Peripheral Blood Smear Examination
In a blood smear, the shapes and appearances of blood cells are examined under a microscope. It can clarify an unexpected automated blood count.
Price for this test on its ownAED 190Test price AED 90
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Whole Blood (EDTA)
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Peripheral Blood Smear Examination measure?
Also called Blood Cell Microscopy
A clinician may request a smear after the blood analyser flags an unusual count or when the appearance of a particular group of cells matters.
When it may be requested
Looking at cell shape
A microscopic review can reveal features behind an unexpected automated count.
Directing further tests
Patterns in red cells, white cells or platelets may guide a clinician toward a more specific investigation.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenWhole Blood (EDTA)
Your checklist
No fast is required. Bring the blood count that prompted the smear and tell the clinician about recent transfusions or treatment affecting the marrow.
The clinician takes blood from a vein into a tube that keeps it from clotting. The collection team sends the labelled specimen to the laboratory.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guidePeripheral Blood Smear Examination
Reading your result
The interpretation is descriptive. Cell appearance can guide a more targeted test, while the corresponding blood count provides the numerical context.
What can affect it
- A smear depends on the cells in that specimen and does not exclude every blood disorder.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testPeripheral Blood Smear Examination
- Specimen
- Whole Blood (EDTA)
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Peripheral Blood Smear Examination in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Take the descriptive report and the full blood count from the same draw so the clinician can match a visual finding to its count.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
What can a smear show that an automated count cannot?
An automated instrument counts and measures cells. Examining their shape and appearance can supply clues that numbers alone do not show.
Can a recent transfusion or chemotherapy affect a blood smear?
Yes. A recent transfusion adds donor cells to your own, and chemotherapy changes how blood cells are produced and how they look, so both can alter the appearance of the film. Antimalarial medicine also reduces the parasites visible. Tell the team about any of these so the scientist and your doctor can interpret the description correctly.
Why do I need a blood film if I already had a full blood count?
The count tells your doctor how many cells of each type are present, but not what they look like. When the count is unexpected, examining the cells directly often explains it, and sometimes reveals findings a machine can only flag as unusual.
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Your next step
Peripheral Blood Smear Examination at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.