Technical Errors in Blood Smears

Question 1

Uneven distribution of blood (ridges)

Answer 1

Increased pressure on the spreader slide
Movement of the spreader slide not continuous
Delay in making slide after drop is placed on slide

Question 2

Holes in the smear

Answer 2

Dirty slide
Contamination with glove powder

Question 3

No feathered edge

Answer 3

Spreader slide not pushed the entire length of the smear slide

Question 4

Streaks in the feathered edge

Answer 4

Chipped or dirty spreader slide
Spreader slide not placed flush against the smear slide
Pulling the spreader slide into the drop of blood so that the blood is pushed instead of pulled
Drop of blood starts to dry out owing to delay in making smear

Question 5

Smear too thick and short

Answer 5

Drop of blood is too big
Angle of spreader slide is greater than 40 degrees

Question 6

Smear too thin and long

Answer 6

Drop of blood is too small
Angle of spreader slide is less than 30 degrees
Spreader slide pushed too slowly