Significant Variability in the Identification and Reporting of Band Neutrophils by Participants Enrolled in the College of American Pathologists Proficiency Testing Program

Increased band neutrophils in blood smear differential counts ("bandemia") are entrenched in medi- cine as a flag for sepsis. However, laboratory hematology experts have long advocated for discontinuation of report- ing bands separately from segmented neutrophils because of poor sensitivity and specificity, poor interobserver agree- ment, and availability of alternative biomarkers for sepsis.