【Objectives】 To discuss the clinical value of the lamellar bodies,and to estimate the preterm infants lung maturity. 【Methods】 The lamellar body count of preterm infants was examined for finding the best cut-off value,the positive predictive value,negative predictive value,sensitivity,specificity of lung maturity,especially in gestational age less than 34 weeks. 【Results】 The best cut-off value was ≥98 000/μL lamellar bodies to predict the lung maturity,with a positive predictive value of 27.1%,negative predictive value of 100%,sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 41.9%.With a positive predictive value of 53.6%,negative predictive value of 100%,sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 23.5% in preterm infants with gestational age less than 34 weeks.23.5% of preterm infants could avoid intubation and use of the surfactant.The best cut-off value was ≤33 000/μL lamellar bodies to predict the lung immaturity,with a positive predictive value of 46.7.8%,negative predictive value of 96.7%,sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 78.4%.With a positive predictive value of 72%,negative predictive value of 85.7%,sensitivity of 86.7% and specificity of 70.6% in preterm infants with gestational age less than 34 weeks.70.6% of preterm infants could avoid intubation and use of the surfactant.The incidence of RDS was 20% if the suspicious value between 33 000~98 000/μL lamellar bodies. 【Conclusion】 Lamellar body count is a good screening test for predicting the degree of neonatal lung maturity.