What is the Difference Between Peripheral Blood Smear and Bone Marrow Smear?

The main difference between peripheral blood smear and bone marrow smear lies in the cells they examine and the information they provide about the blood cells.

Peripheral blood smear:

• Examines mature blood cells in the bloodstream.
• Reveals the status of mature blood cells.
• Done with a complete blood count.
• The cells are observed as a homogeneous layer without any apparent structure.

Bone marrow smear:

• Assesses the process of hematopoiesis (blood cell formation).
• Examines the maturity of precursor cells, storage pool, and other changes.
• Done with a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy.
• The cells in bone marrow smears are not homogeneous, with the inner portions looking different from those at the sides.

In summary, peripheral blood smear provides information about mature blood cells circulating in the bloodstream, while bone marrow smear examines the process of blood cell formation and the development of precursor cells in the bone marrow.

Comparative Table: Peripheral Blood Smear vs Bone Marrow Smear

Here is a table comparing peripheral blood smear and bone marrow smear:

Peripheral blood smear is a test that evaluates the size, shape, and appearance of mature blood cells, including RBCs, WBCs, and platelets, to identify abnormalities. On the other hand, bone marrow smear is a test that examines the production, development, and release of blood cells from the bone marrow, providing insights into the process of hematopoiesis.