Searchable clinical interpretation library
Choose a test to understand what it measures, its normal reference values, visual interpretation, common pitfalls and findings that require urgent escalation.
Genuine clinical and microscopy examples
Film morphology directs the differential but rarely establishes the cause alone.
1Uniform red cells2Mature neutrophil3PlateletsA real Wright-stained film showing broadly uniform red cells, a mature neutrophil and small platelets.
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1Small red cells2Large central pallor3Marked size/shape variationThis patient’s MCV was 55 fL. The film shows marked microcytosis, hypochromia, anisocytosis and poikilocytosis.
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1Hypersegmented neutrophil2Macro-ovalocytesA genuine film from megaloblastic anaemia. Hypersegmented neutrophils and macro-ovalocytes support impaired DNA synthesis.
1Fragmented RBC2Helmet-shaped cell3Cell fragmentsFragmented red cells support mechanical or microangiopathic destruction in the right clinical setting.
1Large immature blast2High nuclear-to-cytoplasm ratioA genuine leukaemic blood film with immature blast cells. Automated counts may flag rather than classify them.
1Sickled red cell2Target cellGiemsa-stained film showing characteristic sickle forms and target cells.
No single picture or number reliably separates every cause. Prior antibiotics and disease timing change the pattern.
1Cloudy / purulent appearanceA visibly turbid CSF specimen. Gross appearance can suggest a heavy inflammatory burden but clear CSF does not exclude meningitis.
1Numerous neutrophils2Inflammatory cellular backgroundPappenheim-stained CSF with numerous neutrophils, consistent with purulent meningitis in context.
1Encapsulated yeast2Clear haloA real CSF negative-stain preparation showing encapsulated yeast. Modern cryptococcal antigen testing is more sensitive than India ink.
1Acute intracranial blood2Intraventricular extensionThis CT demonstrates intracranial blood. When the SAH pathway requires LP after negative imaging, xanthochromia is assessed by the local laboratory—visual tube colour alone is unreliable.
Interpret the assay, trend and pre-test probability, then confirm disease anatomically and histologically where appropriate.
1Narrow monoclonal M peak2Gamma regionA protein electrophoresis trace showing a narrow monoclonal peak. The size alone does not separate MGUS from myeloma.
1Myeloblast2Auer rod3Prominent nucleolusA marrow smear from AML with maturation, showing blasts and Auer rods. Morphology is followed by flow cytometry, cytogenetics and molecular classification.
1FDG-avid nodal disease2Anatomical CT correlationA real PET/CT with FDG-avid nodal metastasis illustrates why biochemical markers must be correlated with imaging and tissue diagnosis.
Educational image atlas: these images demonstrate genuine morphology, not diagnostic-quality patient reports. Always review the original specimen/report, units, reference interval, analyser comments, clinical context and local urgent-result policy.
New enhanced section
1Right upper-lobe airspace opacity2Compare both hila3Check pleural anglesA real AP chest radiograph showing right upper-lobe shadowing. Consolidation is a pattern, not an organism.
1Visceral pleural line2No peripheral lung markings3Assess mediastinal shiftA genuine chest radiograph showing a large right pneumothorax. Tension is a clinical diagnosis supported by imaging when time permits.
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1Hyperdense acute blood2Intraventricular extension3Assess mass effect / hydrocephalusOn non-contrast CT, acute blood is typically hyperdense. Inspect every slice and window; this single teaching frame cannot show the full extent.
1Central filling defect2Saddle embolus3Assess RV strainCTPA demonstrates contrast-opacified pulmonary arteries with intraluminal filling defects.
1Cerebellar lesion2Posterior fossaMRI signal depends on sequence and blood age. DWI/ADC is central to acute ischaemia; FLAIR, T1/T2 and susceptibility answer different questions.
1High FDG uptake2CT anatomical lesion3Review whole-body distributionPET displays metabolism; CT supplies anatomy. Uptake is not synonymous with malignancy because inflammation and physiological activity also take up FDG.
1Anechoic gallbladder lumen2Thin wall3No posterior shadowing stoneA genuine normal gallbladder ultrasound image. Ultrasound is dynamic and operator-dependent; a still frame never replaces the full examination.
RIPE quality → A–E review → compare prior. Never stop after the first abnormality.
Confirm contrast phase and windows. Scroll systematically; one screenshot cannot exclude disease.
Know the sequence. Signal meaning changes between DWI/ADC, FLAIR, T1/T2 and susceptibility imaging.
Metabolic uptake needs anatomical and clinical correlation; infection/inflammation can be FDG-avid.
Orientation, probe position, dynamic signs and Doppler matter; static images are incomplete.
Safety: If imaging and the patient conflict, reassess the patient, verify the study and contact radiology. Act immediately on time-critical findings such as tension pneumothorax, major haemorrhage, large-vessel occlusion, aortic catastrophe, massive PE, cord compression or perforation.
PICTURE-GUIDED CLINICAL PROCEDURE PATHWAYS
STAND-ALONE BEDSIDE PROCEDURE PATHWAY
Supervised clinician education. Use the current local checklist, competency standard, consent policy, infection-control procedure and escalation route. This pathway does not certify procedural competence.
50 investigations • each includes reference values
Screen anaemia, infection/inflammation, cytopenias and haematological disease; always interpret components together and compare with baseline/trend.
Illustrative adult guide • confirm against the patient’s report