 A small drop of blood was placed near an end

of a slide. According to figure 4.1, the edge of

another slide was brought in contact with the
drop and the drop was allowed to bank evenly
behind the spreader. The angle between the
two slides must be 30-40 degrees.
 Now, push to the left in a smooth, quick
motion. The smear was covered about half the
slide.

Notes:

▪ It is important that the quantity of blood is not

excessive; otherwise, the red cells could hide the
leukocytes. A gradual transition was made from thick to
thin in a smear and a zone was obtained with a good
cell distribution.

▪ With a single drop of blood, several smears were

made. In fact, it is sufficient to leave a blood spot on
the slide that is about 3 mm in diameter to create a
smear. It is useful to perform many smears. In fact, not
always they are successful, and with some attempts, it
is easier to get one well prepared. To avoid producing
clots, each smear was made with fresh blood and
straight after having deposited it.

▪ When the blood was deposited by one person and the

smears were formed by another, it is helpful to have
assistance for this purpose. With the microscope, the
smears were observed to check that some of them are
properly made. The red cells did not overlap one
another or are too few to spread out.