Preparation of a blood smear

Question 1

Briefly outline how you would prepare a blood smear

Answer 1

1) Drop blood on microscope slide
2) Spread blood with a slide at a 45 degree angle
3) Leave to air-dry
4) Add ethanol
5) Add Leishman’s stain
6) Add buffered water
7) Wash with more water until pale pink
8) Blot dry
9) Place a coverslip over the smear

Question 2

What do we use to blot the blood smear dry?

Answer 2

Filter paper

Question 3

What is a health and safety hazard?

Answer 3

Leishman’s stain
Toxic
Needs to be handled in a fume cupboard