Peripheral Smear Review and Bone Marrow Biopsy Correlation

Peripheral Blood Smear (PBS) interpretation is a useful skill for Haematology/Oncology Clinicians (HOC).

To explore practice patterns of PBS utilization for all benign haematology diagnosis in a non-simulated environment and to evaluate how it may guide the HOC in determining further work up and whether or not to perform a Bone Marrow Biopsy (BMB).

A retrospective review was conducted on 451 outpatient referrals for benign haematology diagnosis. Patient demographics and diagnostic tests were recorded. We further analysed cases in which a blood smear was ordered or reviewed. In cases with PBS review, we recorded testing ordered by the HOC.

Records of 451 patients met inclusion criteria. The median age was 55 with males representing 51.9% of the cohort. Distribution of disorders were 50.6% (n = 228) erythrocyte (RBC), 25.5% (n = 114) leukocyte (WBC), 11.3% (n = 51) platelet (PLT), and 12.8% (n = 58) "other." A CBC was ordered in 82.7% of cases (373/451). A PBS was ordered in 47.4% of CBCs obtained (177/373, p<0.001). Of these, documentation occurred in 49.2% (87/177) which led to further testing 41.4% of cases (36/87). A BMB was performed in 11.5% (10/87) of cases in which a PBS was reviewed compared to 4.3% (16/373) of cases where BMB was performed without PBS review (p=.019). Of the 36 cases in which PBS review led to testing, 10 BMBs (27.8%) were performed-all of which led to specific haematologic diagnosis. A specific diagnosis was found in 43.8% (7/16) BMBs performed without prior PBS review.

PBS interpretation is an important skill for HOCs. Haematology/Oncology (H/O) training programs should continue to teach this skill to increase proficiency in order to help guide diagnostic evaluation of various haematologic disorders.