COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF PERIPHERAL BLOOD SMEAR, RBC INDICES, AND RBC HISTOGRAMS IN DIAGNOSING ANEMIA IN ADULTS

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a prevalent hematological condition with diverse causes and manifestations. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management. This study evaluates and compares the diagnostic efficacy of peripheral blood smear analysis, RBC indices, and RBC histograms in classifying anemia in adults.

Methods: A total of 150 adult patients diagnosed with anemia (50 with microcytic anemia, 50 with macrocytic anemia, and 50 with normocytic anemia) were included. Each patient underwent peripheral blood smear analysis, RBC indices measurement (mean corpuscular volume [MCV], mean corpuscular hemoglobin [MCH], and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration [MCHC]), and RBC histogram analysis using an automated hematology analyzer. A control group of 30 healthy individuals was also assessed.

Results: Peripheral blood smear analysis revealed characteristic morphological abnormalities for each anemia type. Microcytic anemia showed small, pale RBCs, macrocytic anemia displayed large, oval- shaped RBCs, and normocytic anemia had normal RBC morphology. RBC indices confirmed these findings with significant deviations in MCV and MCH corresponding to the anemia type. RBC histograms provided additional insights, showing shifts in peak distribution and width corresponding to anemia types, with microcytic anemia exhibiting a leftward shift and increased width, and macrocytic anemia showing a rightward shift and increased width.

Conclusion: The integrated use of peripheral blood smear analysis, RBC indices, and RBC histograms offers a comprehensive diagnostic approach for anemia. Each method contributes valuable information, with peripheral smear providing qualitative morphological details, RBC indices offering quantitative measurements, and histograms visualizing size distribution variations. This combined approach enhances diagnostic accuracy and can improve patient management and treatment outcomes for anemia. Keywords: Anemia, Peripheral Blood Smear, RBC Indices, RBC Histogram, Diagnostic Methods