Question

In evaluating a blood smear, which of the following statements is true?

1) Cell morphology should only be evaluated at the feathered edge, where the cells are spread thinly and appear singly.
2) The counting area is the largest part, and is a homogenous area beginning at the end of the slide where the drop of blood was placed.
3) The counting area, where most of the evaluation takes place, is between the body and the feathered edge.
4) Cell morphology can only be accurately evaluated in the largest, "body" area of the smear.

Answer 1

The evaluation of cell morphology in a blood smear should be conducted between the body and the feathered edge, not only at the feathered edge or in the body of the smear.

Step-by-step explanation:

In evaluating a blood smear, the correct statement regarding where cell morphology should be evaluated is that the counting area, where most of the evaluation takes place, is between the body and the feathered edge. The feathered edge describes the thin portion of a blood smear where the cells are ideally spread in a single layer, making it possible to clearly distinguish individual cell morphology. This area is crucial for accurately assessing cell characteristics such as size, shape, and staining properties. It is here that the evaluator is likely to find the optimal density of cells for reliable analysis while minimizing overlap that can obscure details. Performing differential cell counts and identifying leukocyte types are common practices that rely on observing cells in a methodical and systematic manner within this area.