RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 How to useā€¦ a blood film JF Archives of disease in childhood - Education & practice edition JO Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health SP edpract-2017-312685 DO 10.1136/archdischild-2017-312685 A1 Ben McNaughten A1 Anthony Thompson A1 Christine Macartney A1 Andrew Thompson YR 2018 UL http://ep.bmj.com/content/early/2018/03/17/archdischild-2017-312685.abstract AB The diagnostic relevance of the blood film cannot be underestimated in the assessment of children with suspected primary or secondary haematological conditions. The blood film not only serves as a diagnostic tool but also allows for screening, monitoring of disease progression and therapeutic response in children with a variety of haematological conditions. This article outlines the appearance of normal paediatric and neonatal blood films. The technical aspects involved in preparing a blood film are discussed. Consideration is given to the indications for preparing a blood film and some of the limitations of blood films. Finally, attempts are made to highlight the role of the blood film in the diagnosis of some common paediatric and neonatal conditions.