Question 63

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

To ensure a quality result during a blood smear, the phlebotomist should hold the slides at an angle of 30° to each other. This angle allows for the appropriate spreading of the blood drop, resulting in a thin, even layer of cells for examination.

A) Hold the two slides at 90° to each other when performing the smear

Holding the slides at 90° would create a thick smear, which is not ideal for microscopic examination. A smear that is too thick can hinder the visualization of individual cells and potentially lead to inaccurate results.

B) Allow the blood drop to clot slightly prior to performing the smear

Allowing the blood drop to clot slightly would adversely affect the quality of the smear. A blood smear should be performed immediately after the drop is made to ensure that the cells are properly spread and remain in a single layer for optimal analysis.

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

Holding the slides at 30° is the recommended technique for creating a blood smear. This angle facilitates the even distribution of blood across the slide, allowing for better visualization of cellular morphology and accurate diagnostic results.

D) Allow the blood drop to clot completely prior to performing the smear

Allowing the blood drop to clot completely is detrimental to the smear process. A fully clotted drop cannot be spread effectively, leading to a poor-quality smear that may not provide reliable information for diagnostic purposes.

Conclusion

The correct technique for performing a blood smear involves holding the slides at 30°, which promotes an even distribution of blood cells. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they either create a smear that is too thick, lead to improper timing in spreading the blood, or result in a complete clot that cannot be smeared. Thus, option C is the definitive choice for ensuring a quality blood smear.