Question

Describe the best area to perform the manual differential on the blood smear.

Answer 1

Answer - Area of Monolayer

Explanation - Examination of a blood smear is an important technique in haematology.  Blood smears are used to analysis leukocytes, platelet count RBC and abnormal cell morphology.  

There are several areas of blood smears:

1. The feathered edge

2. the monolayer

3. the body and base of the smear.

A, The feathered edge

The feathered edge is the end of the blood smear. It is essential that the feathered edge is completely present and fully stained. It is a first part of the smear that detect platelet clumps and microfilaria

2. Monolayer

Morphology of Blood cells is done in this area. This area is just behind the featured edge. It is generally the distance of one 10x field behind the feathered edge and is considered as a best or optimal area for the examination of cells. It dries quickly and cells are well spread and not disrupted in this area.  RBC are separated are non-overlapping and well spread in this area.  

3. Body and base of the smear

It is behind the monolayer and a thick area.

Conclusion - All parts of the smear are essential to examine but the monolayer is the best area to perform manual differentiation of blood smear.