HIMO 1.0: an educational game for teaching white blood cell identification by morphology in black and white

Identifying white blood cells (WBCs) is a critical skill for first-year medical students, but it is often challenging in the early years of medical education. Subtle morphological differences in size, granules, and nuclear shape can be confusing, especially when staining quality is inconsistent. Based on our teaching experience, we observed that during undergraduate practical sessions, students frequently encounter difficulty in achieving optimal staining quality, which often hampers accurate visualization and interpretation of cellular morphology. Reliance on color further increases the risk of misidentification. Hematology: Identification of Microscopic Observations version 1.0 (HIMO 1.0) is an educational game developed to address this challenge. Using black-and-white images, the game trains students to recognize WBCs based on reliable structural features rather than variable staining quality. Developed in Python, it presents randomly oriented images of WBCs and requires players to identify cell size, granules, nucleus shape, and overall type. A built-in database stores defining features of each cell type, enabling instant validation of user responses. Immediate feedback reinforces correct answers, supporting an iterative learning process. HIMO 1.0 provides a safe, engaging, and realistic environment for practicing WBC identification. While not a substitute for real smear examination, it strengthens foundational skills and complements traditional hematology teaching.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Hematology: Identification of Microscopic Observations version 1.0 (HIMO 1.0) introduces a black-and-white approach to white blood cell (WBC) identification, training students to focus on size, granules, and nuclear shape rather than staining. It uses a game-based format with instant feedback to make learning engaging and effective. This Windows computer-based game is available as an open educational resource, and anyone can use it.