Which component follows a CBC with abnormal results for further evaluation?

A peripheral blood smear is the appropriate component to follow a complete blood count (CBC) with abnormal results for further evaluation. This test involves spreading a drop of blood onto a microscope slide to create a thin layer of cells, which can then be stained and examined under a microscope.

By reviewing the peripheral blood smear, a medical laboratory professional can assess the morphology of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, allowing for the identification of various hematological disorders, such as anemia, leukemias, and thrombocytopenias. The smear provides critical information regarding cell shape, size, and number, as well as the presence of abnormalities such as giant platelets or abnormal white cell counts that are not visible in the CBC alone.

The other options, while useful in specific contexts, do not provide the immediate visual inspection of blood cells that is necessary after an abnormal CBC. Bone marrow biopsy is more invasive and usually reserved for cases where the peripheral blood smear suggests significant pathology that needs further investigation. A reticulocyte count can provide information on bone marrow activity and RBC production but may not offer the specific details on cell morphology. Serum electrolyte tests assess different parameters unrelated to cell morphology or hematological conditions, focusing instead on the body's chemical balance. Thus