BLOOD SMEAR

Definition : Some Diseases : It is a thin layer of blood smeared on a microscope slide and then stained to allow the various blood cells to be examined microscopically. It is used to provide information about drugs and diseases that affect the morphology of red and white blood cells and to help diagnose certain congenital and acquired diseases. Some Diseases : Anemia : (Sickle cell anemia, hemolytic anemia). Leukemia. Thalassemia. Malaria. Thrombocytosis, Thrombocytopenia. Infections and/or inflammation.

Collection of blood Capillary : ball of finger (ring finger left hand), ear lobe, heel or big toe in infants. Venous. Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.

PRINCIPLE OF SMEAR PREPARATION A small drop of blood is placed near the frosted end of a clean glass slide. A second slide is used as a spreader. The blood is streaked in a thin film over the slide. The slide is allowed to air-dry and is then stained. SPECIMEN : EDTA Anticoagulated blood is preferred.

EQUIPMENTS Blood tubes containing EDTA anticoagulant. Glass slides with frosted end for labelling. Spreader slide. Microscope slide box . Alcohol (to clean the slide). Blood tube rocker.

POINTS TO BE NOTED The thickness of the spread when pulling the smear is determined by : 1. Angle of the spreader slide. 2. Size of the blood drop. 3. Speed of spreading. Raising the angle of the spreader slide will decrease the length of the smear (thicker). Decreasing the angle will increase the smear length (thinner).

Common Causes of A Poor Blood Smear Not using a clean slide. Not using a smooth edged spreader. Drop of blood too large or too small. Spreader slide pushed across the slide in a jerky manner. Failure to keep the entire edge of the spreader slide against the slide while making the smear. Failure to keep the spreader slide at a 30 angle with the slide. Failure to push the spreader slide completely across the slide.

Common Causes of A Poor Blood Smear This is Wrong ! This is Correct !

Air bubble : -> “ Uneven Film ” Common Causes of A Poor Blood Smear Pressure on spreader too strong : -> “ Waves ” Air bubble : -> “ Uneven Film ”

Done By : “ MALAK ALSOWAYAN ”