“Morphological Typing Of Anemia Based On Peripheral Blood Smear Examination And Automated Cell Counter Generated RBC Indices.”

Abstract

Background: The present study was planned to study the morphological type of anemia and compare the findings of PBS examination with cell counter generated red cell parameters.

Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study carried out in the Central Laboratory, Hematology section of a tertiary care hospital between 1st June, 2023 – 30th June, 2023 using peripheral smear and automated hematology analyser. The data generated by cell counter was correlated with peripheral smear findings for morphological typing. Statistical analysis was done using frequency and percentage.

Results: A total of 111 cases were included in the study with M:F ration of 7:4. Majority of the cases 23(20.70%)were present in the age group 41-50 years and the least number 3(2.70%) was seen in age groups 1-20 years and 11-20 years. Based on morphology the microcytic hypochromic anaemia constituted majority of cases, 40(36.04%) with least number of macrocytic normochromic anemia 13(11.71%) cases. Based on the red cell indices and RDW, microcytic hypochromic anemia with raised RDW was seen in 31(27.93%) cases and the least number of cases were dimorphic anemia with normal RDW in 2(2.70%) cases. Concordance between peripheral smear and red cell parameters was seen in 93.54% of cases of microcytic hypochromic anemia, 81.8% in normocytic normochromic anemia and 75% in macrocytic normochromic anemia.

Conclusions: Correlating peripheral smear results with automated cell counter parameters enhances the overall diagnostic accuracy for anemia. This combined approach allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of red cell morphology and their parameters. By integrating these methodologies, clinicians can make more informed decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.