Final answer:
The microhematocrit spin should be performed for 5 minutes before reading the control standardization. Allowing the spin to run for 5 minutes allows for adequate separation of the components, making it easier to accurately measure the hematocrit of the red blood cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The microhematocrit spin should be performed for 5 minutes before reading the control standardization.
This is because the microhematocrit spin is a process in which blood is separated into its different components by centrifugation. In this case, the spin is specifically done to separate the red blood cells from the plasma. Allowing the spin to run for 5 minutes allows for adequate separation of the components, making it easier to accurately measure the hematocrit of the red blood cells.
Performing the spin for longer than necessary, such as 10 or 30 minutes, may lead to over- or underestimation of the hematocrit values, respectively.