Question 79

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

To ensure a quality result when performing a blood smear, a phlebotomist should hold the slides at an angle of 30° to each other. This technique allows for an optimal spread of the blood, which is critical for accurate microscopic 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 that is difficult to analyze under a microscope. This angle does not facilitate an even distribution of the blood cells, which is essential for assessing their morphology and count accurately.

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

Allowing the blood drop to clot slightly would compromise the smear quality. Clotting prevents the blood from spreading properly on the slide, leading to uneven and potentially misleading results, which are not suitable for diagnostic purposes.

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

Holding the slides at 30° is the correct technique because it enables a thin, even layer of blood to be spread across the slide. This angle promotes better visualization of blood cells, allowing for accurate analysis and diagnosis.

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 complete clot would prevent any spreading of the blood, resulting in a sample that is unusable for microscopic examination and analysis.

Conclusion

Holding the slides at 30° is essential for producing a high-quality blood smear, as it ensures an even distribution of blood cells for accurate assessment. All other options either lead to improper techniques that hinder the analysis or suggest actions that would negatively impact the smear quality. Thus, option C is the only viable choice for achieving a reliable blood smear result.