Blood Smear Preparation Techniques
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Questions and Answers

What is the first step in the process of making a blood film?

  • Preparation of blood smear (correct)
  • Staining of blood smear
  • Fixation of blood smear
  • Collection of blood sample

    • Which of the following steps comes after fixation in the blood film preparation process?

  • Staining of blood smear (correct)
  • Blood sample collection
  • Microscopic analysis
  • Preparation of blood smear

    • What is the purpose of a blood film report?

  • To determine blood type
  • To diagnose infections only
  • To assess nutritional deficiencies
  • To provide information about a patient's condition (correct)

    • Which of the following is NOT one of the basic steps to make a blood film?

    <p>Evaluation of blood chemistry (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is making a blood film considered a low-cost method?

    <p>It can provide immediate results with minimal resources (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common cause of a poor blood smear?

    <p>A well-made blood film (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic of a blood film can result from improper spreading technique?

    <p>Jagged tail at the end of the smear (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant characteristic of a good smear regarding blood drop size?

    <p>The drop should be of a uniform size. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does NOT contribute to the quality of a blood smear?

    <p>Type of blood used (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mistake affects the quality of the smear due to improper technique with the spreader slide?

    <p>Pushing the spreader slide in a jerky manner. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue might arise from a film that is too thick?

    <p>Difficulty in distinguishing between individual cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a characteristic of a poorly made blood film?

    <p>Irregular size and shape of cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue can arise if the spreader slide is not completely pushed across the slide?

    <p>Irregular spread with ridges and long tail appears. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the initial step in creating a wedge blood smear?

    <p>Fill a capillary tube three-quarters full with the anticoagulated specimen. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of having holes in the film during the smear preparation?

    <p>Slide contamination with fat or grease occurs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which piece of equipment is necessary for preparing a wedge blood smear?

    <p>A clean microscope slide for the smear. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect can cellular degenerative changes have on the smear?

    <p>Results from delay in fixing or inadequate fixing time. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What volume of anticoagulated specimen is typically used for a wedge blood smear?

    <p>10 μL (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to use an anticoagulated specimen for a wedge blood smear?

    <p>It prevents clotting, ensuring even distribution of cells. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the purposes of using spreaders in the process of creating a wedge blood smear?

    <p>To evenly spread a thin layer of blood across the slide. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in the staining procedure?

    <p>Flood the smear with stain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    For how long should the stain be allowed to remain on the slide?

    <p>10-15 minutes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can influence the optimal staining time?

    <p>Experience of the technician (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of mixing the stain with buffer solution?

    <p>To dilute the stain to a lower concentration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done after flooding the smear with stain?

    <p>Add buffer and mix the stain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for fixing films after they have dried?

    <p>To preserve the morphology of the cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should films not come into contact with water before fixation is complete?

    <p>Water can distort the cell structure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done immediately after films have dried?

    <p>Start the fixation process (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Fixation of films is important to prevent which of the following issues?

    <p>Deformation of cell walls (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen if fixation is delayed after drying?

    <p>Cell death occurs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended fill level for the capillary tube when preparing a wedge blood smear?

    <p>Three-quarters full (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which piece of equipment is essential for creating a wedge blood smear?

    <p>Blood capillary tube (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a basic component needed for making a wedge blood smear?

    <p>Stirring rod (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What volume of anticoagulated specimen is typically used in the preparation of a wedge blood smear?

    <p>10 μL (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What purpose do spreaders serve in the process of preparing a wedge blood smear?

    <p>To create an even distribution of blood (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the correct angle at which to hold the spreader slide when preparing a blood film?

    <p>30° (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be avoided to prevent RBC artifacts when drying the blood film?

    <p>Blowing to dry (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the examination of thin blood films important in managing anemia?

    <p>It allows for the assessment of blood cell morphology. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can cause issues with the shape of the blood film during preparation?

    <p>Holding the slide at an incorrect angle (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first action to take with the spreader slide during blood film preparation?

    <p>Draw it back against the drop of blood (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In addition to anemia, what other condition can the examination of blood films help investigate?

    <p>Infections (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key indication that blood cells in a smear have undergone changes?

    <p>A differential white cell count (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might occur if the blood film is not allowed to air-dry completely before staining?

    <p>Uneven staining (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of conditions would lead to noticeable abnormalities in a blood film?

    <p>Hematological issues (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What specific aspect of blood film examination assists in diagnosing infections?

    <p>The appearance of white blood cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended diameter of the blood drop placed on the slide during preparation?

    <p>2 mm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How far from the frosted area should the drop of blood be placed on the slide?

    <p>1 inch (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the slide should be held while preparing the blood smear?

    <p>The narrow side of the non-frosted edge (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What surface should the slide be placed on during the preparation of the blood film?

    <p>A flat surface (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be the the primary focus when placing the blood drop on the slide?

    <p>Preventing contact with the frosted area (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of placing the edge of the spreader slide just in front of the blood drop?

    <p>To allow for an even spread of blood across the slide (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should the blood be allowed to spread on the slide according to the given procedure?

    <p>Almost to the edges of the slide (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What technique is recommended for the proper positioning of the spreader slide?

    <p>Place the smooth edge against the slide and push it forward (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a likely consequence of not allowing the blood to spread almost to the edges of the slide?

    <p>The resulting smear may not be usable for analysis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be ensured about the spreader slide before using it on the specimen slide?

    <p>It has to be thoroughly cleaned and smooth on the edge (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions is likely to result in a poor blood smear due to spreading technique?

    <p>Not pushing the spreader slide completely across the slide (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of using a drop of blood that is too small for smear preparation?

    <p>Difficulty in achieving a thin film (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defect in a blood smear may result from using a dirty or chipped spreader edge?

    <p>Presence of ridges and long tails (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What outcome is associated with cellular degenerative changes in a blood smear?

    <p>Delayed or inadequate fixation time (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which issue can arise if the spreader slide is not kept flat against the other slide during the smear process?

    <p>Irregular distribution of cells in the smear (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Blood Smear Preparation

    • Blood smears are crucial for diagnosing anemia, infections, and other conditions affecting blood cells.
    • Blood smears provide rapid, low-cost information about a patient's condition.
    • A well-made blood film is thick at the drop end and thin at the opposite, centrally positioned and margin free.
    • Preparation involves three basic steps: preparing the smear, fixing, and staining.
    • Different methods exist, such as the cover glass smear and the wedge smear.
    • EDTA-anticoagulated blood is used for peripheral blood smears.
    • Smears should be created within one hour of collection to preserve cell morphology.
    • Finger-prick blood samples can also be used.
    • Methods may include cover slip or wedge smear.

    Equipment

    • Spreaders
    • Clean slides
    • Blood capillary tube or micropipette (10 µL)

    Procedure

    • Fill the capillary tube three-quarters full with anticoagulated blood.
    • Place a blood drop (about 2 mm in diameter) on a slide an inch from the frosted area.
    • Hold the slide with the non-frosted edge between your thumb and forefinger.
    • Place the spreader slide at a 30° angle against the blood drop.
    • Draw the spreader slide back and forth to create a thin, feathered-edge film.
    • Allow the smear to air dry completely before staining. Avoid blowing on it.
    • Label the frosted edge with patient information (name, ID#, date).

    Fixation of Blood Smear

    • Fix the blood film as soon as possible after drying to preserve cell morphology.
    • Prevent contact with water before fixation to maintain integrity.
    • Methyl alcohol (methanol) is preferred for fixation, though ethyl alcohol can be used.
    • Methylated spirit (95% ethanol) should not be used as it contains water.

    Staining the Blood Smear

    • Air dry the thin smear.
    • Flood the smear with stain.
    • Stain for 1–5 minutes; adjusting time based on experience.
    • Add an equal amount of buffer solution and mix the stain.
    • Leave the mixture on the slide for 10–15 minutes.
    • Wash the slide with running water, directing it to the center to prevent precipitated stain residue.
    • Stand the slide on its end, and let it air dry.
    • Using Leishman's stain is a common method.

    Common Causes of a Poor Blood Smear

    • Blood drop too large or too small
    • Jerky spreader movement
    • Spreader not placed flat against the slide
    • Failure to maintain the angle of the spreader slide
    • Inadequate smear spreading or uneven spreading
    • Contaminated / damaged slides (e.g. holes or grease, dust)
    • Delayed or improper fixation
    • Fixative or staining liquid contamination (methanol contamination).

    Characteristics of a Good Blood Smear

    • Thick at the drop end, thin at the opposite end
    • Occupies the center of the slide
    • Does not touch the edges, except at application point.
    • Margin free

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    Related Documents

    Blood Smear Preparation PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the essential techniques for preparing blood smears, including the importance of smears for diagnosing various health conditions. It highlights the steps involved in preparation, fixing, and staining, as well as the equipment needed. Test your knowledge on the methods and best practices for creating effective blood films.

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