How does a drop of blood under the microscope tell of a child's illness?

What is it about?

A blood film is made by spreading a drop of blood on a glass slide and colouring it with special stains. The blood cells can then be examined under the microscope. A paediatric haematologist, a physician who is specialised in blood disorders in children, can pick up the pathological changes in the blood cells. These changes, together with the child's symptoms, can help to pin down the medical diagnosis.

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Why is it important?

The study of blood cell morphology was once an important laboratory investigation. It is now a forgotten means in clinical medicine due to increasing work load and automation. Haematomorphology, however, can be a useful way to increase the speed and accuracy of clinical diagnosis.

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