Test Name
PERIPHERAL BLOOD FILM (PBF)
Aliases
BLOOD FILM, BLOOD SMEAR, PERIPHERAL SMEAR EXAMINATION
Abbreviations
PBF
Test Classification
INDIVIDUAL
Department
HEMATOLOGY
Sub Department
GENERAL
TAT Category
ELAPSED (CONTINUOUS) TIME
Estimated TAT
24
TAT Units
DAYS
Test Requirements
Labeled slides or <1 hr old sample in EDTA (purple top) vacutainer. For direct clients, under clinical history capture whether or not the patient has been transfused within the past 3-4 months.
For guidance on preparation of peripheral blood films, review this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kafqQZmrgQE
For guidance on packaging of slides for transportation, review this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-Vy80b_-sI&t=2s
Clinical Utility
Evaluation of blood cells (numbers, appearance), evaluation of leukemias and lymphomas, presence or absence of hemoparasites like malaria etc.
Last Review
26th Feb 2026