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Questions and Answers
What is the recommended time frame for making smears from EDTA specimens stored at room temperature?
What is the recommended time frame for making smears from EDTA specimens stored at room temperature?
What is the main purpose of making blood smears from EDTA specimens promptly?
What is the main purpose of making blood smears from EDTA specimens promptly?
What is the primary purpose of examining thin blood films?
What is the primary purpose of examining thin blood films?
Which method is NOT mentioned for making blood smears?
Which method is NOT mentioned for making blood smears?
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Which of the following conditions can be evaluated through blood smear preparation?
Which of the following conditions can be evaluated through blood smear preparation?
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Why is it important to make smears from blood collected via finger sticking?
Why is it important to make smears from blood collected via finger sticking?
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How does examining blood films contribute to the understanding of white blood cell counts?
How does examining blood films contribute to the understanding of white blood cell counts?
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What storage condition should EDTA specimens be kept in prior to smear preparation?
What storage condition should EDTA specimens be kept in prior to smear preparation?
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What is a critical reason for performing a thin blood film examination?
What is a critical reason for performing a thin blood film examination?
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Which clinical condition is least likely to be assessed using a blood smear?
Which clinical condition is least likely to be assessed using a blood smear?
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What is the recommended fill level for a capillary tube when preparing a wedge blood smear?
What is the recommended fill level for a capillary tube when preparing a wedge blood smear?
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Which piece of equipment is NOT mentioned as necessary for preparing a wedge blood smear?
Which piece of equipment is NOT mentioned as necessary for preparing a wedge blood smear?
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What is the proper volume of the anticoagulated specimen when filling the capillary tube?
What is the proper volume of the anticoagulated specimen when filling the capillary tube?
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Which step is NOT part of preparing a wedge blood smear?
Which step is NOT part of preparing a wedge blood smear?
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Which of the following tools is specifically used to spread the blood in a wedge blood smear preparation?
Which of the following tools is specifically used to spread the blood in a wedge blood smear preparation?
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What should be done to preserve the morphology of cells in films?
What should be done to preserve the morphology of cells in films?
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Why is it critical to avoid contact with water before fixation is complete?
Why is it critical to avoid contact with water before fixation is complete?
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What is the immediate action required after the films have dried?
What is the immediate action required after the films have dried?
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What could happen if films are left to dry for too long before fixation?
What could happen if films are left to dry for too long before fixation?
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What is a critical step in the process of preparing cell films?
What is a critical step in the process of preparing cell films?
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Which characteristic is indicative of an improper smear technique?
Which characteristic is indicative of an improper smear technique?
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What can cause an irregular spread with ridges and a long tail in a blood smear?
What can cause an irregular spread with ridges and a long tail in a blood smear?
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Which issue relates to contamination that affects the quality of the smear?
Which issue relates to contamination that affects the quality of the smear?
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Which of the following factors do NOT contribute to cellular degenerative changes in a smear?
Which of the following factors do NOT contribute to cellular degenerative changes in a smear?
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What is a recommended practice when making a blood smear?
What is a recommended practice when making a blood smear?
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What is the first step mentioned for cleaning the slide?
What is the first step mentioned for cleaning the slide?
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How should the slide be positioned while drying?
How should the slide be positioned while drying?
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What is the purpose of washing off the stain with running water?
What is the purpose of washing off the stain with running water?
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What should NOT be done when handling the slide after staining?
What should NOT be done when handling the slide after staining?
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Why is it advised to let the slide dry in air?
Why is it advised to let the slide dry in air?
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What type of blood is used to prepare a peripheral blood smear?
What type of blood is used to prepare a peripheral blood smear?
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Which blood smear preparation method involves using a cover glass?
Which blood smear preparation method involves using a cover glass?
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What is a key characteristic of a wedge blood smear?
What is a key characteristic of a wedge blood smear?
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Which of the following options describes the necessary condition for the blood to be used in smear preparation?
Which of the following options describes the necessary condition for the blood to be used in smear preparation?
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What is one important consideration while preparing blood films?
What is one important consideration while preparing blood films?
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What is one significant reason for examining thin blood films?
What is one significant reason for examining thin blood films?
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Which of the following conditions can be investigated through a blood smear examination?
Which of the following conditions can be investigated through a blood smear examination?
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What is an essential step to ensure accuracy in blood smear preparation?
What is an essential step to ensure accuracy in blood smear preparation?
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How does observing blood films impact the understanding of blood cell counts?
How does observing blood films impact the understanding of blood cell counts?
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What condition does NOT typically warrant examination through blood smear preparation?
What condition does NOT typically warrant examination through blood smear preparation?
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What is the maximum time allowed for making smears from EDTA specimens stored at room temperature to prevent distortion of cell morphology?
What is the maximum time allowed for making smears from EDTA specimens stored at room temperature to prevent distortion of cell morphology?
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Which method is appropriate for making blood smears directly from a finger stick?
Which method is appropriate for making blood smears directly from a finger stick?
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What issue arises if smears are not prepared promptly from EDTA specimens?
What issue arises if smears are not prepared promptly from EDTA specimens?
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How should EDTA specimens be stored prior to making blood smears?
How should EDTA specimens be stored prior to making blood smears?
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What is an important consideration when making blood smears from finger sticking blood?
What is an important consideration when making blood smears from finger sticking blood?
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What is the appropriate distance to place the drop of blood from the frosted area of the slide?
What is the appropriate distance to place the drop of blood from the frosted area of the slide?
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Which hand is recommended to hold the narrow side of the slide while preparing a blood smear?
Which hand is recommended to hold the narrow side of the slide while preparing a blood smear?
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How large should the drop of blood be for proper smear preparation?
How large should the drop of blood be for proper smear preparation?
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What position should the slide be in during the blood smear preparation?
What position should the slide be in during the blood smear preparation?
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What part of the capillary tube should be filled when preparing a wedge blood smear?
What part of the capillary tube should be filled when preparing a wedge blood smear?
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Which type of specimen is specifically mentioned for use in a wedge blood smear?
Which type of specimen is specifically mentioned for use in a wedge blood smear?
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What should be the approximate distance of the drop from the frosted area?
What should be the approximate distance of the drop from the frosted area?
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Which of the following is essential equipment for making a wedge blood smear?
Which of the following is essential equipment for making a wedge blood smear?
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What should be avoided to maintain the quality of the blood smear prior to fixation?
What should be avoided to maintain the quality of the blood smear prior to fixation?
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Which characteristic should NOT be present for an effective wedge blood smear?
Which characteristic should NOT be present for an effective wedge blood smear?
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What is the appropriate action when placing the second slide on the specimen slide?
What is the appropriate action when placing the second slide on the specimen slide?
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What should be observed after allowing the blood to spread on the slide?
What should be observed after allowing the blood to spread on the slide?
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Why is it important to use the smooth clean edge of the second slide?
Why is it important to use the smooth clean edge of the second slide?
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What aspect must be ensured when placing the second slide on the specimen slide?
What aspect must be ensured when placing the second slide on the specimen slide?
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What outcome should be anticipated from spreading the blood almost to the edges of the slide?
What outcome should be anticipated from spreading the blood almost to the edges of the slide?
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Study Notes
Blood Smear Preparation
- Blood smears are important in diagnosing conditions like anemia and infections.
- They reveal changes in blood cell appearance and help determine white blood cell counts.
- A blood film is a low-cost, rapid method for patient condition assessment.
Aim of Blood Smear
- Blood smears help investigate and manage conditions that alter blood cell appearance.
- The information gathered from blood smears is quick and affordable.
Steps to Make a Blood Film
- Preparation: The first step involves preparing the blood smear.
- Fixation: The next step is fixing the blood smear.
- Staining: Finally, staining the blood smear.
Methods for Making Blood Smears
- Cover glass smear.
- Wedge smear.
Specimen Requirements
- EDTA-anticoagulated blood is used for peripheral blood smears.
- Smears should be prepared within one hour of collection from EDTA samples stored at room temperature.
- Blood smears can also be created using finger-prick blood directly on a slide.
Equipment
- Spreaders.
- Clean slides.
- Blood capillary tube or micropipette (10 μL).
Procedure
- Fill a capillary tube about three-quarters full with the anticoagulated blood sample.
- Place a drop of blood (approximately 2mm) on a slide, away from the frosted area.
- Position the slide on a flat surface.
- Hold the slide's un-frosted edge with your left thumb and forefinger.
- Use a spreader slide and smooth, continuous motion to spread the blood onto the slide, creating a thin film. Allow the blood to spread to the edges of the slide.
Characteristics of a Good Smear
- Thickness: Thick at the drop end, thin at the opposite end.
- Location: Occupies the central portion of the slide.
- Edges: Doesn't touch the edges, except at the drop point.
- Margins: Margin free
This blood slide will be used to analyze the morphology (structure) of different blood elements.
Common Causes of a Poor Blood Smear
- Drops of blood too large or too small.
- Jerky movements during spreader slide usage.
- Insufficient contact of the edge of the spreader during spreading.
- Incorrect angle when pushing the spreader.
- Improper spread resulting in ridges/long tails in the smear.
- Contaminated slides (fat, grease).
- Holes in the smear.
- Delays during fixation, wrong methanol concentration or timing.
- Insufficient air drying.
Identifying Poor Smears (Examples)
- Jagged tail from spreader.
- Smear too thick.
- Smear too long or wide.
Fixation of Blood Smear
- Fixing preserves the cells' morphology.
- Fixation should occur quickly after drying.
- Avoid moisture before and during fixation.
- Methyl alcohol (methanol) is the preferred choice.
- Ethyl alcohol (absolute type) can also be used.
- Methylated spirit (95% ethanol) is not recommended as it contains water.
Staining of Blood Smear
- Thin smears are air-dried.
- Flood the smear with stain.
- Staining time varies depending on experience, but a suitable time is 1-5 minutes.
- Mix the stain with an equal amount of buffer and place on the smear.
- Stain for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse the slide with running water, focusing on the center.
- Allow to air dry by standing the slide upright.
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Description
This quiz tests your knowledge on the procedures and importance of making blood smears from EDTA specimens. Key aspects covered include storage conditions, methodology, and clinical relevance of blood films. Ensure you understand the critical reasons behind prompt preparation and evaluation of blood smears to assess various health conditions.
