list what makes the desirable quality of a thin blood film

Question

what are the normal range of the different blood cells

list and draw the normal shape of the different white blood cells

write the procedure of the preparation of a thin film
thick film

Answer 1

Desirable Qualities of a Thin Blood Film

1. Uniform Thickness: The film should be thin and evenly distributed across the slide to allow for proper microscopic examination.
2. Clear Background: The background should be clear to facilitate the observation of cells.
3. Minimal Staining Artifacts: The staining process should not introduce excessive artifacts that obscure cell morphology.
4. Correctly Stained Cells: Cells should be properly stained to display their distinct characteristics (nucleus, cytoplasm).
5. Preservation of Cellular Morphology: Cells should retain their natural shapes and structures; distortion should be minimal.
6. Adequate Cell Distribution: There should be a good distribution of cells without overcrowding in one area.
7. Erythrocyte Monolayer: Adequate separation of red blood cells (RBCs) in a monolayer for easy evaluation of morphology.
8. Absence of Clotting: The blood sample should be fresh, with minimal coagulation.

Normal Range of Different Blood Cells

• Red Blood Cells (RBCs):

  • Men: 4.7 to 6.1 million cells/µL
  • Women: 4.2 to 5.4 million cells/µL

• White Blood Cells (WBCs):

  • Normal Range: 4,500 to 11,000 cells/µL

• Platelets:

  • Normal Range: 150,000 to 450,000 platelets/µL

Normal Shapes of Different White Blood Cells

1. Neutrophils: Multi-lobed nucleus, pale pink cytoplasm, granules present.

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2. Lymphocytes: Spherical nucleus, scant cytoplasm, typically dark blue.

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3. Monocytes: Kidney-shaped nucleus, abundant cytoplasm, lighter in color.

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4. Eosinophils: Bi-lobed nucleus, bright red granules in cytoplasm.

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5. Basophils: Bi-lobed nucleus obscured by large dark blue granules.

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Procedure for Preparation of a Thin Blood Film

1. Gather Equipment:

   • Clean glass slides
   • Cover slips (optional)
   • Blood sample (fresh)
   • Spreaders (another slide or a suitable tool)
   • Staining materials (e.g., Wright’s stain)

2. Sample Collection:

   • Collect blood using a sterile technique in a tube (e.g., EDTA tube for anticoagulation).

3. Place a Drop of Blood:

   • Place a small drop of blood (about 2-3 mm in diameter) on one end of the slide.

4. Spread the Blood:

   • Hold the second slide at a 30 to 45-degree angle and touch the drop lightly to the edge.
   • Quickly and smoothly, push the spreading slide forward to spread the blood across the surface in a thin layer.

5. Air Dry:

   • Allow the film to air dry completely. Avoid direct drafts.

6. Stain the Slide:

   • Stain using an appropriate stain (e.g., Wright’s or Giemsa) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
   • Rinse the slide with buffer or water after staining.

7. Observe Under Microscope:

   • Examine under the microscope and evaluate cellular morphology.

Procedure for Preparation of a Thick Blood Film

1. Gather Equipment:

   • Clean glass slides
   • Blood sample (fresh)
   • Spreader slide or suitable tool
   • Staining materials (e.g., Giemsa stain)

2. Sample Collection:

   • Collect blood using sterile technique into a tube (anticoagulant needed).

3. Prepare the Blood Drop:

   • Place a larger drop of blood (approximately 5-10 mm in diameter) on the center of a clean slide.

4. Spread the Blood:

   • Use a plastic or glass spreader to spread the blood into a thick film. Move the spreader slightly over the drop to create an even monolayer.
   • The edge of the film should be thicker than a thin film but still allow a degree of clarity for inspection.

5. Air Dry:

   • Allow the thick film to air dry completely. Avoid drafts that may disturb the preparation.

6. Stain the Slide:

   • Use an appropriate stain for thick films; follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
   • After staining, rinse with buffer or water to remove excess stain.

7. Observe Under Microscope:

   • Place under the microscope to examine for the presence of parasites (e.g., malaria) or other abnormalities.

This stepwise approach helps ensure accurate results for both thin and thick blood films.