What does film mean in a blood test?

A blood film is a snapshot of the cells that are present in the blood at the time that the sample is obtained. To produce a blood film, a single drop of blood is spread in a thin layer across a glass slide, dried, and then stained with a special dye.

What is Stenotrophomonas infection?

Stenotrophomonas (Xanthomonas) maltophilia is a multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacillus that is an opportunistic pathogen [1-4], particularly among hospitalized patients. S. maltophilia infections have been associated with high morbidity and mortality in severely immunocompromised and debilitated individuals.

How do people get Stenotrophomonas?

Sources of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections have included sink drains, hand-washing soap, contaminated disinfectants, nebulizers, and even hospital suction tubing. Additionally, showerheads and faucets tend to be a favorite hiding spot for the bug.

What antibiotics treat Stenotrophomonas maltophilia?

The treatment of choice for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT).

What is peripheral blood film test for?

A peripheral blood smear test shows how your blood cells and platelets look under a microscope. Looking through a microscope, your healthcare provider may see: Changes in your blood cell and platelet size and shape may be a sign of a blood disorder or blood cancer.

What clues on a CBC would make a doctor suspect leukemia?

Leukemia is most often diagnosed through a diagnostic test called a complete blood count (CBC). If a patient’s CBC shows abnormal levels of white blood cells or abnormally low red blood cells or platelets, he or she has leukemia. The physician will then order a bone marrow biopsy to determine the type of leukemia.

How serious is Stenotrophomonas?

Purpose: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia has low pathogenicity potential, but if it causes bacteremia it can be fatal, because it has shown high resistance to many antibiotics and can be difficult to treat. Patient death from S. maltophilia bacteremia has increased since 2014 in our hospital.

Is Stenotrophomonas treatable?

1. Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) The mainstay of treatment for Stenotrophomonas infections is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and it remains the current drug of choice.

When should I request a blood film?

Why do I need a blood smear? You may need a blood smear if you have abnormal results on a complete blood count (CBC). A CBC is a routine test that measures many different parts of your blood. Your health care provider may also order a blood smear if you have symptoms of a blood disorder.

What test shows leukemia?

Your doctor will conduct a complete blood count (CBC) to determine if you have leukemia. This test may reveal if you have leukemic cells. Abnormal levels of white blood cells and abnormally low red blood cell or platelet counts can also indicate leukemia.