Final answer:
To prepare a blood smear, place a drop of blood on a glass slide and spread it in a single, smooth motion. Allow the smear to air dry, apply a stain if desired, and add a coverslip. The smear can be observed under a microscope.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prepare a blood smear, you will need a glass slide, a blood sample, and a coverslip. Here is the procedure:
- Place a drop of blood near one end of the glass slide.
- Using another slide, spread the drop of blood in a single, smooth motion to create a thin film.
- Allow the smear to air dry completely.
- If desired, apply a stain to enhance contrast. The Wright-Giemsa stain is commonly used for blood smears.
- Add a coverslip on top of the smear.
The prepared blood smear can then be observed under a microscope to analyze the appearance and count the different types of blood cells present.