Skip header information|
Wadsworth Center Home - Science in the Pursuit of Health|
NY.gov Portal State Agency Listing
Main Body

Through the Microscope: Blood Cells

Related Links

These images were taken by Wadsworth scientists. Images similar to these are used as part of Wadsworth's laboratory certification proficiency testing program and in continuing education programs for laboratories processing New York State specimens.

Use these images to learn more about your Life's Blood, or to enliven science or health papers with accurate images.

Normal peripheral blood

The usual diagnostic approach to blood disorders is blood counting and blood film examination. Blood films on glass slides are stained with a Romanowsky stain (usually Wright's, Giemsa, or May-Grünwald). Red cells in normal peripheral blood are circular and fairly uniform in size. Mild variation in shape (poikilocytosis) and size (anisocytosis) is seen. Platelets appear as small bluish-purple discs. During blood film examination, the individual types of white blood cells are enumerated; this is referred to as the differential count.

Slide Listings

Cells and findings in disease states

Listed below are several types of white and red blood cells. Some may be observed only in specific diseases, while others may be seen occasionally in normal peripheral blood.

White and Red Blood Cells

Specific disease states