Discussion:
Smearing Blood
1. Why is it important to smear the blood as soon as the drop is placed on the slide?
2. Name 3 factors that determine the thickness of the smear.
3. If the patient's hematocrit is increased, how would you adjust your slide preparation methods?
4. If the patient's hematocrit is decreased, how would you adjust your slide preparation methods?
5. List 5 common causes of a poorly prepared blood smear.
6. How would you correct your blood smear preparation if your patient has cold agglutinins.
7. List the 3 components of the Wright smear and indicate their purposes.
8. In a poorly prepared smear where do larger white blood cells accumulate? Where do lymphocytes accumulate?
9. List 3 characteristics of a well-prepared smear.
10. Name the 3 types of blood smear that can be performed in the c.