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PA14.1-2 | Welcome to Peripheral Smear in Microcytic Anaemia: Hands-on Interpretation
Learning Objectives
- Apply a systematic scanning approach (10× → 40× → 100× oil) to evaluate a peripheral smear for microcytic anaemia
- Identify and name the key RBC morphological features — microcytosis, hypochromia, anisopoikilocytosis, pencil cells, target cells, basophilic stippling, Pappenheimer bodies, and dimorphic populations
- Distinguish the smear pattern of IDA from thalassaemia trait, sideroblastic anaemia, and lead poisoning
- Interpret a composite 4-smear panel and generate a differential diagnosis from morphological evidence alone
INSTRUCTIONS
The peripheral smear is the fastest, highest-yield test you have in suspected microcytic anaemia — and the most under-used. Residents routinely order an iron panel before looking at the slide. This module reverses that habit: you learn to read the smear first, then decide what chemistry to order. This is an interactive, image-driven module. For every slide shown, pause and describe what you see before reading the annotation. The skill is in the seeing, not the reading.
References
- Harsh Mohan — Textbook of Pathology, 8th ed. (Chapter on Anaemias) (textbook)
- Robbins & Cotran — Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed. (Chapter 14: Red Cell Disorders) (textbook)
- Dacie & Lewis — Practical Haematology, 12th ed. (Chapter 5: Blood Cell Morphology) (textbook)
- WHO — Use of Anticoagulants in Diagnostic Laboratory Investigations (2002) — peripheral smear technique reference (textbook)
Version 2.0 | NMC CBUC 2024