Blood count; blood smear, microscopic examination without manual differential WBC count
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Blood count; blood smear, microscopic examination without manual differential White Blood Cell (WBC) count.
Summary
A blood count with a blood smear and microscopic examination without a manual differential WBC count is a diagnostic procedure where a sample of your blood is examined under a microscope. This helps in identifying and counting different types of blood cells to diagnose various medical conditions.
Purpose
This procedure helps in diagnosing and monitoring conditions that affect blood cells, like infections, anemia, and other blood disorders. The goals include detecting abnormalities in blood cells and providing critical information for disease management.
Indications
- Symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, fever, or bruising.
- Known blood disorders that need monitoring.
- Unexplained infections or inflammations.
- Monitoring effects of certain treatments on the blood cells.
Preparation
- No specific fasting or dietary restrictions are typically required.
- Patients should inform their healthcare provider about any medications they are taking.
- No additional diagnostic tests are usually needed beforehand.
Procedure Description
- Blood Sample Collection: A healthcare professional draws a small sample of blood from a vein, usually in your arm.
- Blood Smear Preparation: A drop of blood from the sample is placed on a glass slide and spread thinly to create a smear.
- Microscopic Examination: The smear is stained with special dyes and then examined under a microscope to look at the blood cells.
- Without a manual differential, the focus is primarily on counting and examining blood cells, not identifying specific types of WBCs.
Tools: Microscope, glass slides, staining dyes.
No anesthesia or sedation is required.
Duration
The entire procedure, including blood collection and microscopic examination, typically takes about 30 minutes.
Setting
The procedure is usually performed in a hospital laboratory or outpatient clinic.
Personnel
A phlebotomist may draw the blood sample, and a laboratory technician or hematologist performs the microscopic examination.
Risks and Complications
- Bruising or slight bleeding at the puncture site.
- Rarely, infection or phlebitis (inflammation of the vein).
Benefits
- Early detection and monitoring of blood-related conditions.
- Helps guide treatment decisions and monitor disease progression.
Recovery
- Minimal recovery time; patients can usually resume normal activities immediately.
- Follow any specific instructions given by healthcare providers if further tests or treatment are required.
Alternatives
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) with automated differential.
- Bone marrow biopsy for more detailed examination of blood cells.
- Flow cytometry for detailed cell analysis.
Each alternative has different benefits and may be more or less invasive.
Patient Experience
- Minor discomfort from the needle prick.
- Generally painless and quick.
- Results are typically discussed in a follow-up appointment, where the healthcare provider explains the findings and subsequent steps.