Question

When examining a blood smear, cell morphology should be evaluated

a. at the feathered edge.
b. at the monolayer.
c. at the body beginning where the drop of blood was placed.
d. at the basement membrane.

Answer 1

To properly evaluate cell morphology, one should examine the monolayer on a blood smear, where individual cells are best observed without overlapping, using techniques such as the Wright-Giemsa stain and high-powered microscopy.

Step-by-step explanation:

When examining a blood smear, cell morphology should be evaluated at the monolayer. This is the area where cells are evenly distributed and not overlapping, providing an ideal view for assessing the shape, size, and staining characteristics of individual cells. The portion of the smear that should be examined is away from the feathered edge because cells can be distorted in that area and not representative of the blood's normal cellular architecture.

Techniques such as the Wright-Giemsa stain are commonly used to differentiate between various cell types, such as red blood cells and white blood cells, by staining them different shades. Evaluating the monolayer allows for an accurate cell count and examination for the presence of any potential pathogens.

Once prepared and stained, the monolayer of the blood smear is observed under a light microscope using a high-powered oil immersion lens, typically scanning in a systematic pattern for comprehensive evaluation.