What key information does a peripheral blood smear provide regarding white blood cells (WBC)?

A peripheral blood smear is a crucial diagnostic tool in laboratory medicine that allows clinicians to assess various characteristics of white blood cells (WBCs). The correct answer highlights three essential components that a peripheral blood smear provides: quantity, differential count, and degree of maturity.

The quantity refers to the number of WBCs present, which can help identify conditions such as leukopenia (low white blood cell count) or leukocytosis (high white blood cell count), both of which can indicate different types of health issues.

The differential count provides a breakdown of the different types of WBCs, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. This breakdown is vital for diagnosing various conditions, such as infections, inflammatory diseases, and hematological disorders. For example, an increase in neutrophils may suggest a bacterial infection, while an increase in lymphocytes could indicate a viral infection.

The degree of maturity relates to the developmental stage of the white blood cells observed in the smear. Immature forms, known as blasts, can be indicative of serious conditions like leukemia. Thus, evaluating the maturation stage helps in understanding the functionality of the WBCs as well as the integrity of bone marrow activity.