Study Guide

Objective

The students
-are familiar with the examination and assessment of peripheral blood smears in connection to different factors that affect the blood cell morphology, and to different illnesses (anemias, infections, other benign conditions, myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative conditions, MDS and leukemias).
-are able to use central sources of information and scientific publications concerning methods, reference ranges, illness diagnostics and current research within the field.
-are prepared to improve quality and consider sustainable development within bioanalysis.

Content

Examination and assessment of normal and pathological peripheral blood smears

Location and time

Spring 2026
YH Novia, Alere, Vasa

Mandatory attendance.

Materials

Moore, G., Knight, G. & Blann, A. Haematology. 3rd Edition 2021.

Lichtman MA, Shafer MS, Felgar RE, Wang N. 2016. Lichtman's Atlas of Hematology.

Rodak, B. F, Carr, J. H. 2013 Clinical Hematology Atlas. Elsevier Sauders.

Hoffbrand A. V., Moss P. A. H. . 2012 Essential haematology.

Theml H., Diem H., & Haferlach T. 2004. Color Atlas of Hematology - Practical Microscopic and Clinical Diagnosis (https://www.chospab.es/biblioteca/DOCUMENTOS/Color_Atlas_of_Hematology_Practical_and_Clinical_Diagnosis_2004_Thieme.pdf)

O'Connor, B, H. 1984. A Color Atlas and Instruction Manual of Peripheral Blood Cell Morphology. Williams & Wilkins.

Perifeerisen veren morfologiaa https://www.terveysportti.fi/apps/dtk/ltk/article/ima02248

Soluvisa https://kivikaarre.fi/soluvisa/

Teaching methods

Lessons, discussion, microscopy

Student workload

1 sp = 27 h work
3 sp = 81 h

Content scheduling

1. Introduction and Basic Principles (Reptition)
- Peripheral blood smears and staining
- Normal blood cells and their morphology
2. Anemias, Red Side
- Classification of anemias
- Morphological changes in different types of anemias
- Practical exercises
3. Infections and blood smear
- Identification of infections in blood smears
- Practical exercises
4. Myeloproliferative Disorders
- Overview of myeloproliferative diseases
- Morphological characteristics in blood smears
- Practical exercises
5. Lymphoproliferative Disorders
- Introduction to lymphoproliferative diseases
- Morphological changes in lymphocytes
- Practical exercises
6. Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- Definition and classification of MDS
- Morphological changes in blood smears in MDS
- Practical exercises
7. Acute Leukemias
- Introduction to acute leukemias
- Morphological characteristics in blood smears
- Practical exercises
8. Practical Examination

Further information

Competencies:

Deeper insights into the assessment of peripheral blood smears in relation to various factors affecting blood cell morphology and different disease conditions.

Content:

Review and assessment of peripheral blood smears

Anemias, red side
Infection smears, other benign conditions
Myeloproliferative disorders
Lymphoproliferative disorders
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
Acute leukemias

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Exam
answers depend heavily on words and expressions found in the literature
has superficial knowledge of the subject, but shows a basic understanding of the subject

Written assignment
The student has partially followed the instructions for the written assignment. The student shows limited to a deficient knowledge of the knowledge of the substance.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Exam
can account for the literature, reflect and motivate his/her views
can give an independent account of the literature
understands most of the topic
presents independent views and can apply ideas to analogous situations
can motivate some of their claims and positions
can give some own examples

Written assignment
The student has mostly followed the instructions for the written assignment and has mastered the substance of her/his work, but the application is limited. The student can ask relevant questions and can lead a discussion at the seminar.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Exam
has in-depth knowledge of the subject
can analyze and interpret subject facts
master the subject versatile
has a broad grasp of the subject
presents original and apposite examples

Written assignment
The student has followed the instructions for the assignment and shows that she/he has mastered the substance. She/he have read the other participants' assignments and can ask relevant questions and can lead a discussion at the seminar. The assignment and the possible opponentship show something out of the ordinary (technical execution, oral presentation, mature reflections, independent working methods)

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment Criteria for Practical Examination:

1. Preparation and Technique
- Correct preparation of the blood smear
- Handling of the microscope
2. Accuracy in Cell Counting
- Correct identification and counting of 100/200 leukocytes
- Accuracy in distinguishing between different types of leukocytes
3. Documentation of Results
4. Analysis and Interpretation
- Ability to analyze and interpret the results
- Understanding of any deviations and their clinical significance

Qualifications

Hematology
Hematological methodology