Question

You notice that the slides made by your newly hired technician all seem to have large cells like neutrophils and monocytes disproportionately located in the feathered edge of the slide. What technique error could cause this?

Answer 1

The technique error resulting in a disproportionate distribution of neutrophils and monocytes at the feathered edge of a blood smear is likely due to improper angle or speed during the spreading of the blood across the slide.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the neutrophils and monocytes are disproportionately located in the feathered edge of a slide, the technique error likely lies in the preparation of the blood smear itself. When creating a blood smear, it is important to achieve a single thin layer of cells with a feathered edge. Proper technique includes using a smooth, swift motion to spread the drop of blood across the slide. If the angle is too steep or the speed of the spreader slide is inconsistent, it may result in an uneven distribution of cells, with larger cells like neutrophils and monocytes being pushed to the edges. To avoid this technique error, the technician should focus on maintaining a consistent angle and speed when creating the smear to ensure an even distribution of all cell types across the slide.