Are Smudge Cells Ever Normal

Background: It is reported that the percentage of smudge cells in the blood smear could be a prognostic indicator in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, the clinical significance of smudge cells in other hematological malignancies, solid tumors or non-malignant diseases is less clear.

Is it normal to have smudge cells?

The median smudge cell percentage was 28% (range, 1% to 75%) in our study. Only four patients (4%) had a smudge cell percentage within the 1% to 5% range. (B) Percentage of smudge cells in CD38– and CD38+ patients.

How do you stop a cell from smudging?

This artifact can be avoided by adding a drop of serum albumin to four or five drops of blood before making the blood smear. Smudge cells are most commonly seen in disorders characterized by lymphocyte fragility, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and infectious mononucleosis.