Optical phase contrast microscopy in reporting anisopoikilocytosis in stained blood smears; a pilot study

Introduction: Conventionally, to examine stained blood smears, bright field microscope (BFM) is used. Appreciation of outlines and three-dimensional images of cells is possible with optical phase contrast microscope (OPCM) in wet smears

 

Methods: This study was performed to determine applicability of OPCM in reporting anisopoikilocytosis in stained blood smears. Leishman-stained blood smears were assessed using bright field microscope (BFM) and OPCM and findings related to anisopoikilocytosis were compared with corresponding red cell indices (RI) of complete blood count.

 

Results: There were 25 and 24 samples with normal and abnormal RI respectively. Mean anisopoikilocytosis percentage of both groups reported with OPCM were significantly higher than those of BFM. Anisopoikilocytosis percentage reported with BFM and OPCM were significantly positively correlated. Mean corpuscular volume and microcyte percentage and mean corpuscular haemoglobin and hypochromic cell percentage were significantly negatively correlated (p< 0.05).

 

Conclusion: Optical phase contrast microscopy could significantly improve quantification and reporting of anisopoikilocytosis in stained blood smears.