Smudge Cells: Why would smudge cells show up on my CBC?

Hi @darceejensen, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. While members in the forum aren’t medical professionals we can use our experiences to help each other find answers. Only your medical team can interpret your blood results.

However, I can give you a quick rundown on what Smudge cells are and the meaning of MPV in your CBC.
Smudge cells are blood cells that were destroyed during the collection or preparing of the blood smear, creating a smudge look on the glass slide. They’re remnants of cells that lack any identifiable cytoplasmic membrane or nuclear structure. They are indicative of weakened cells as normal cells have stronger, defined membranes. It can be a result of a viral infection but sometimes it needs further evaluation to make sure there is no other cause.

You also mentioned MPV, which is the abbreviation for Mean Platelet Value. What this means is that some of your platelets are larger than average. Having a high or low MPV doesn’t mean anything on its own. It should be interpreted within the context of other CBC results, such as platelet count.

I’m expecting that these were results you’ve seen on your patient portal but you haven’t spoken with your doctor or NP yet. While the patient portal is a wonderful tool, seeing results without an explanation can cause unnecessary anxiety sometimes. Don’t ever hesitate to call or message your doctor to get clarification on tests.
Were you having any symptoms that prompted a visit to your doctor or was this just a routine CBC?

I was having some symptoms that prompted the visit - random fevers, 2-3 times a month of night sweats, swollen lymph nodes (these have gone away), pain in fingers and toes, and overall fatigue. @loribmt

Since your symptoms prompted the CBC make sure you follow up with your doctor for a explanation of your blood results. Sometimes when there are little anomalies popping up in the blood, doctors will order a few more tests just do a double check.
If you don’t mind, let me know what you find out, ok? ☺️

@darceejensen, have you discussed the blood test results with your doctor in the meantime? Any update?

I have called his office several times with no luck, I am still waiting for a call back.

How frustrating. Was a followup appointment not scheduled when the tests were ordered?

Yes, I have a follow up appointment in January.