The initial evaluation of many primary hematologic and indeed non-hematologic disorders often begins with a review of blood counts and the peripheral blood smear. Thus, this course will (1) present cases with commonly encountered quantitative and qualitative peripheral blood abnormalities from which to consider broad differential diagnoses, (2) highlight how an initial morphologic assessment of the peripheral blood smear may be used to hone the differential diagnosis as well as to direct the use of additional relevant studies, (3) provide a guide as to when bone marrow studies may (or may not) be of diagnostic utility, (4) discuss the rationale for performing additional testing (including other laboratory, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic and/or molecular diagnostic assays) that may be required to generate specific diagnoses, and (5) review new insights into the pathobiology of old diseases and how these may be exploited for contemporary diagnostic purposes.

The intent is neither to provide an exhaustive review of all hematologic entities nor to discuss all the laboratory modalities that may be relevant to their diagnosis. Rather, the aims are to offer a practical approach to the review of peripheral blood smears and to provide algorithms that will facilitate diagnosis. Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to accurately review a peripheral blood smear, thoughtfully generate a differential diagnosis and expeditiously request ancillary bone marrow and/or laboratory studies needed for definitive assessment.

The course is designed primarily for practicing general pathologists, but is also suitable for pathology residents and fellows as well as hematopathologists and laboratory hematologists. Registrants will be mailed a CD-ROM of case histories and representative images prior to the meeting. A comprehensive syllabus will be distributed at the course and a CD-ROM of additional materials will be mailed after the meeting. (New Course)