Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 93%

When performing a blood smear, which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take to ensure a quality result?

Rationale

Hold the slides at 30° to each other when performing the smear.

Holding the slides at a 30° angle allows for an optimal spread of the blood sample, resulting in a thin, even layer of cells that can be easily analyzed under a microscope. This technique minimizes the risk of overlapping cells and enhances the quality of the smear.

A (Hold the two slides at 90° to each other when performing the smear.) YOUR ANSWER

Holding the slides at a 90° angle would create a thick smear, which can lead to overlapping cells and uneven distribution of blood components. This angle is not conducive to achieving a quality blood smear, as it does not allow for the necessary finesse in spreading the sample evenly.

B (Allow the blood drop to clot slightly prior to performing the smear.) YOUR ANSWER

Allowing the blood to clot before making the smear would result in a sample that is not suitable for microscopic examination. Clotting changes the cellular composition of the sample, making it impossible to accurately assess the different types of blood cells present, which is critical for diagnostic purposes.

D (Allow the blood drop to clot completely prior to performing the smear.) YOUR ANSWER

If the blood drop is allowed to clot completely, it will not be possible to create a smear at all. A smear requires liquid blood to spread effectively; once clotting occurs, the sample becomes unusable for the purposes of analyzing cellular morphology and counts.

Conclusion

For a successful blood smear, the phlebotomist should hold the slides at a 30° angle to ensure a thin and even spread of the blood sample. This technique is vital for clear visualization of blood cells, allowing for accurate diagnosis and assessment. In contrast, actions that involve excessive angles or delay in spreading the sample result in subpar quality and hinder diagnostic efficacy.

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