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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 9184:
Morphology Evaluation (Special Smear)

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Under normal conditions, the morphology and proportion of each blood cell type is fairly consistent in corresponding age groups. The morphology and proportion of each blood cell type may change in various hematologic diseases. Differential leukocyte count/special smear evaluation is helpful in revealing the changes in morphology or proportion of each cell type in the peripheral blood.

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Detecting disease states or syndromes of the white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelet cell lines of a patient's peripheral blood

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

The laboratory will provide an interpretive report of percentage of white cells and, if appropriate, evaluation of white cells, red cells, and platelets.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

A poorly feathered peripheral smear may result in less than optimal interpretation.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

An interpretive report will be provided.

Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

Lotspeich-Steininger CA, Steine-Martin EA, Koepke JA: Clinical Hematology: Principles, procedures, correlations. Philadelphia, JB Lippincott Company. 1998, pp 88-106, pp 317-356