Hello doctor,One week ago, my mother had a CBC done, and the results were all perfectly normal. However, the lab forgot to order a peripheral smear review (which her doctor requested). So a week later, the CBC was repeated with a smear.Oddly, the results of this new CBC were,Low WBC.Low RBC.Low neutrophils.(The smear was normal).At the time of this second lab draw, the lab tech commented this is going to bruise, and it did. A huge dark bruise and bump formed on my mother\s arm very soon after the blood was drawn. I assume this is a hematoma. My question is, can a lab draw technique error (as evidenced by the large bruise and hematoma painful) be the cause or reason for the low WBC, low RBC, and low neutrophils? Please keep in mind the Smear result was normal (unremarkable). I should also point out that this CBC was manual (versus automated).I know it is essential to repeat the CBC with smear again to verify, but I like to know if improper drawing or lab techniques could cause the odd results and if so, what the mechanism of action would be. I can show you her actual results, plus a photo of the bruise or hematoma.
Hello, Welcome to the ChatDoctor. I have reviewed your query and attached images as well. You are having superficial thrombophlebitis most likely as per given history and attached image. It can be most likely due to a technical error during collection. However, your low red blood cell count, low ANC, and the low total count could not be due to a technical fault. It can be temporary finding due to some unnoticed infection. I suggest you repeat CBC (complete blood count) after few days approximately after 7 to 10 days and it will come standard mostly. Your peripheral smear examination report is normal, so no need to worry. You can revert with reports once done after a few days. For thrombophlebitis or bruise, I suggest you apply ice wrapped in thin cloth frequently like five to six times a day. Thrombophleb gel also can be beneficial. I hope I have answered your question. Let me know if you have another problem in mind.  Take care.