Publication:

A comparative study between peripheral blood smears, RBC indices and histograms in anemia in the geriatric age group

Background Hematological evaluation in geriatric age group is essential, as anemia and red cell disorders contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. Overlap between symptoms of anemia and features of natural aging make its diagnosis in the elderly difficult. This study was done to compare the diagnostic utility of peripheral blood smears, RBC indices, and histograms in evaluating anemia in the geriatric age group.

Methods This was a comparative study done on 298 cases of anemia for a period of 1 year from February 2024 to January 2025 in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Blood samples were examined using microscopy for peripheral blood smears, automated hematology analyzers for RBC indices and histogram interpretation. Findings were noted and analyzed.

Results Out of 298 cases, across the different diagnostic methods (peripheral blood smear, RBC indices and RBC histograms), normocytic normochromic anemia was the most common type (62.4-67.40%), followed by microcytic hypochromic anemia (27.20-29.50%), macrocytic anemia (4.70-5.40%), hemolytic anemia (2%) and dimorphic anemia (1.30%).

Conclusions The many forms of anemia can only be diagnosed using peripheral smear, RBC indices and histogram. A combined approach using PBS, RBC indices, and histograms ensures greater diagnostic accuracy in geriatric patients, where anemia is often multi-factorial and can mimic natural aging.