CLINICAL LAB SCIENEC

CHAPTER 13: HEMATOLOGY AND COAGULATION 333
9. Assess the blood film on the slide before proceeding with the staining steps.
a. After the film has dried, check the film macroscopically to assess its quality as
to consistency (Table 13-2). Note that in actual laboratory practice, each slide
should be clearly identified with the patient’s name, ID number, etc., and these
would be checked as well).
b. The film should “feather” into a very thin edge when prepared properly
(Figure 13-3).
10. Firmly grasp the slide with forceps and
“fix” the dried smears in prepared fixative
or absolute methanol for 30 seconds.
11. Allow excess fixative to drain from the
slide for approximately 15 seconds following
removal from the fixative.
12. Stain slides using a quick stain as
described here (steps 12a through 12d,
below). Quick stains are used by most
laboratories. (If a more time-consuming
traditional staining method is used, the
directions will require timing of each step
with a timing device. Follow the directions
provided with such stains).
a. Quick stains will be placed in three
specially designed staining containers
called Coplin jars and do not require
drying between stains.
b. The “fixed” slide is dipped 5 – 6 times
in an eosin solution and is allowed to
drain into the jar. The end of the slide is
then blotted on a paper towel.
c. The slide is then immediately immersed
in a methylene blue solution by dipping
it into the stain 5 – 6 times.
d. The slide is then rinsed with a slow
stream of water and is placed in an
upright position in a rack and allowed
to dry.
13. Discard all supplies used for the procedure
in the appropriate containers. A
disinfectant should be used to clean the
work surfaces and equipment should be
cleaned and restored to its former position.
Gloves should be discarded appropriately
and the hands washed thoroughly in
accordance with established policies.
FIGURE 13-1 Preparing a blood smear for staining by making a thin
film of blood on a glass slide.
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