Evaluating pathologist practices in peripheral blood smear review: A comprehensive practice survey

Area of Science:

• Hematopathology
• Diagnostic Pathology
• Laboratory Medicine

Background:

• Lack of standardized criteria for peripheral blood (PB) smear review.
• Need to understand current practices in PB smear review among pathologists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To collect data on PB smear review practices across multiple institutions.
• To focus on the role and methods of pathologist review in PB smear analysis.

Main Methods:

• A 23-question survey was developed by the Society for Hematopathology (SH) Education Committee.
• Survey distributed to SH members, gathering information on practice environment and PB smear review, including trainee involvement.
• Data collected on daily smear volume, review components, and microscopy methods.

Main Results:

• 137 (19%) of 725 contacted SH members completed the survey.
• Over half of practices reviewed 5-20 smears daily; all used complete blood count/differential leukocyte count and clinical history.
• Glass slide review was predominant; clinician-requested reviews were more likely to be billed separately and reported.

Conclusions:

• The survey identified a wide spectrum of practice patterns for pathologist review of blood smears.
• Potential areas for process improvement in PB smear review were elucidated.
• All respondents affirmed PB smear review's essential role in pathology training.