A peripheral blood smear is coded as which of the following?

The correct choice relates to how peripheral blood smears are categorized in oncology data coding. A peripheral blood smear is primarily assessed to identify disease characteristics, particularly in cases like leukemia. Each choice reflects different coding classifications that can apply to various diagnostic methods and findings.

The selection indicates that a peripheral blood smear is classified as positive cytology for all sites, except leukemia. This is important because cytology involves the examination of cells in bodily fluids or smears, helping to characterize malignancies based on cellular appearance. In the context of leukemia, a peripheral blood smear typically shows abnormal cells indicative of the disease; however, the classification for this test might focus more broadly on its potential to reveal malignancies outside of leukemia present in peripheral blood.

Understanding that peripheral blood smears provide vital cytological information, the classification in this case is narrow, highlighting that while it is positive for various malignancy types (hence "for all sites"), specific coding protocols separate leukemia diagnosis due to its unique implications and additional diagnostic requirements.