ASSIGNMENT: WRITE ON THICK BLOOD

FILM

TITLE
THICK BLOOD FILM
INTRODUCTION
Thick blood film is a staining technique used in the investigation of
the parasite Plasmodium falciparum in their forms in the blood which
causes malaria. Microfilaria which causes filariasis can be detected
with this method. Malaria parasite(plasmodium) lies in the red blood
cells and are transmitted by certain mosquito of the genus
ANOPHOLES.
PRINCIPLE
This is based in the detection of blood parasites in the blood sample.
A thick blood smear is made by spreading a large drop of blood on a
clean grease free slide in a small area which provides better
opportunity to detect various parasitic form.
AIM
 To detect the presence and level of malaria parasite in the red blood
cell in the body.
MATERIALS
 A clean grease free slide
 Venous/Capillary blood sample
 Microscope
 Pipette
 Applicator stick
 Gloves
 Sample container(EDTA)

PROCEDURE
 Add 1-2 drops of blood on a clean grease free slide at the Centre.
 Make a thick film by spreading the blood drops using an applicator
stick and write the patients name at the end of the slide.
 Allow to air dry for 20-30mins on a staining rack.
 Dip the thick blood smear film into a diluted Giemsa stain for about
2mins.
 wash off the stain under a clean running water and tilt to dry.
 Focus under the microscope using x10 objective lens and view for
any malaria parasite using x100 (oil Immersion) objective lens with
a drop of immersion oil.
RESULT
The round shaped cells are looked out for in the film and recorded
based on the degree of the round shapes seen under the microscope.
PRECAUTIONS TAKEN
 Ensure to label the slide correctly
 Ensure to use the correct stain for the test
 Avoid allowing the smear to be washed off by the running water
 keep the smeared slide away from heat and dust
 Make sure to report accurately