When reporting a direct smear from a primary specimen,it is important to note the presence and quantity of white blood cells even in the absence of bacteria for all of the following reasons except:
A)the pathogen may not be present in sufficient quantities.
B)the presence of white blood cells indicates a purulent process.
C)the pathogen may not be present in the sample collected.
D)it is not important to report white blood cells unless bacteria are present.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

White blood cells are indicative of an infective process with or without the presence of visible bacteria in a direct smear and should be reported.Failure to see organisms in the direct smear may result from the sample containing low numbers of pathogens,probability and simply no organisms present in the sample placed on the smear,or the organisms are difficult to visualize due to size and Gram staining characteristics.

When Reporting a Direct Smear from a Primary Specimen,it Is