Gram negative septicaemia diagnosed on peripheral blood smear appearances. Issue 1 (January 1994)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fife, A; Hill, D; Barton, C; Burden, P
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 47:Issue 1(1994)
• Page Start: 82
• Page End: 84
• Publication Date: 1994-01
• Subjects: Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.47.1.82
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : Buffy coat smears from febrile patients may contain visible bacteria and therefore detect bacteraemia before conventional blood cultures become positive. However, it is unusual to see micro-organisms in an otherwise untreated peripheral blood smear. The case of a febrile neutropenic patient is reported. A Wright's stained peripheral blood smear contained bacterial elements, thus making earlier diagnosis of septicaemia and identification of the causative bacterium possible.