Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

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What causes a blood smear to appear short?

Blood drop too small
Spreader angle too low
Blood drop too large
Spreader angle too high

The correct answer is: Blood drop too small

A blood smear appears short primarily due to a blood drop that is too small. When the volume of blood applied to the slide is insufficient, it doesn’t allow for an adequate spread to occur. A proper blood smear should have a sufficient quantity of blood to be evenly distributed across the slide, forming a thin layer that is ideal for microscopic examination. If the drop is too small, it may not extend far enough, leading to a smear that lacks the necessary length and area for effective evaluation. In contrast, the size of the blood drop plays a crucial role in achieving the right smear characteristics. Larger or smaller drops directly affect how well the blood spreads; therefore, obtaining the correct droplet size is essential for creating a diagnostic-quality smear.