A CBC is performed on a polycythemic patient.What must be done to ensure that the technologist makes an optimal blood smear on this specimen?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A polycythemic patient has a higher concentration of red blood cells in their blood, which can result in thicker and more concentrated specimens. To make an optimal blood smear, the technologist should decrease the angle of the spreader slide to make a thinner and more evenly distributed smear. This will result in better visualization of individual cells and improved accuracy of the CBC results.

A CBC Is Performed on a Polycythemic Patient