Neonatal septicemia was one of the major factors contributing to the high perinatal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The definite diagnosis of septicemia was made by a positive blood culture which required a minimum period of 48-72 hours and yielded a positive result in 30-70% of cases. Hence there was a critical need for laboratory tests that aid in the rapid diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. We studied the Rodwell’s hematological parameters including the various changes seen in the peripheral smears of 110 neonates clinically suspicious of having sepsis. Out of 110 infants, 23(20.9%) cases with proven sepsis, 30(27.2%) cases with probable sepsis and 57(48.18%) cases were on safer side. 74.5% infants had early onset neonatal sepsis and 25.45% infants had late onset. 60.8% preterm infants were more prone. Nucleated Red blood cells values were higher in sepsis and significantly seen in 78.2% of early onset neonatal sepsis cases in proven sepsis and 50% in probable sepsis. The advantage of study was that these can be done rapidly even in small hospitals, allowing prompt treatment to neonates with sepsis and minimizing therapy. It can be good predictors of short term neonatal outcome and carries diagnostic and prognostic value.
