Peripheral Blood Smear Findings

Which peripheral blood smear finding is characteristic of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency during an acute hemolytic episode?

A 38-year-old woman from rural Maharashtra presents with a 3-month history of progressive fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, and jaundice. On examination, she is pale with mild hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory investigations reveal hemoglobin 7.2 g/dL, reticulocyte count 8%, indirect bilirubin 3.2 mg/dL, and LDH 680 U/L. Peripheral blood smear shows numerous spherocytes, polychromasia, and occasional microspherocytes. Direct antiglobulin test (DAT/Coombs) is positive. What is the most likely diagnosis?

During a routine blood bank screening, a peripheral blood smear from a 52-year-old man shows numerous schistocytes (fragmented RBCs), polychromasia, and a few spherocytes. Which is the most common cause of schistocytes on peripheral blood smear?

A 52-year-old man with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase undergoes peripheral blood smear examination. All of the following findings are consistent with CML EXCEPT:

A 52-year-old man from Bangalore presents with sudden-onset severe headache, confusion, and visual disturbance. His BP is 168/105 mmHg. CBC shows Hb 9.8 g/dL, WBC 8.2 × 10⁹/L, and platelets 45 × 10⁹/L. Peripheral blood smear reveals fragmented RBCs (schistocytes), polychromasia, and reduced platelet numbers. Serum creatinine is 2.1 mg/dL, and LDH is markedly elevated at 1850 U/L. What is the most appropriate immediate next step?