Q. What are the signs and symptoms of a blood disorder?
The signs and symptoms of a blood disorder include weakness, fatigue, pale complexion, fever, unexplained jaundice, episodes of bleeding, easy bruising, frequent nose bleeds, spleen enlargement, and bone pain.
Q. What conditions can affect the red blood cells?
The conditions which can affect the red blood cells include different types of anemia, myeloproliferative or myelodysplastic neoplasms, and bone marrow disorders.
Q. How is the blood sample taken?
The healthcare provider takes a blood sample from the arm. The site from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube attached to it for collecting blood. Once the sufficient blood for analysis is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The site is then covered with a gauze pad.
Q. Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?
As such there is no risk but in few cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the puncture site can be seen. In very few cases, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is withdrawn.
Q. What type of RBCs irregularities can be seen on a smear in case of a condition affecting the RBC?
The most common RBC irregularity includes anisocytosis in which variable size of red blood cells is seen such as in case of anemia. If the size of the RBC is smaller than normal, it is called as microcyte while if it is larger than normal, it is called as macrocyte. If there is a variation in the shape of the RBCs, it is known as poikilocytosis. Examples include burr cells, rouleaux, sickle cells, elliptocytes, target cells, teardrop cells, and schistocytes. If there is variability in the size as well as shape of RBC, it is known as anisopoikilocytosis.
Q. What conditions can affect the absolute or relative number of WBCs and their appearance?
The conditions which can affect the absolute or relative number of WBCs and their appearance include infections and/or inflammation, bone marrow disorders, allergies, leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or myeloproliferative neoplasm.
Q. In what conditions abnormal size of platelets can be seen?
The abnormal size of platelets can be seen in conditions like myeloproliferative neoplasms, immune thrombocytopenia, and in case the immune system inappropriately produces antibodies directed against platelets.
Q. What additional tests are advised in case of abnormal results are seen on the blood smear?
The additional tests include iron tests, folate tests, and flow cytometry immunophenotyping. The other tests could be bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy, BCR-ABL1, and hemoglobinopathy evaluation.