Hematology In The Emergency Setting: The Value Of The Blood Smear Exam

1. Which of the following cells are seen on the feathered edge of a blood smear?

Platelet clumps and fibrin

Infectious agents

Large cells (e.g., reactive lymphocytes, neoplastic cells, megakaryocytes, histiocytes, mast cells)

All of the above

None of the above

2. A correctly done blood smear will extend to the end of the slide so as not to create a feathered edge.

True

False

3. The differential count and fine cellular detail:

Is determined under low power (10x) of the microscope.

Is not an important value for hematology.

Is determined under high power (40x plus coverslip or 50-100x oil immersion) of the microscope.

Can be determined under low power (10x) or high power (40x) of the microscope.

Cannot be determined using a standard microscope.

4. Which of the following can cause artifacts in a blood smear?

Under-staining, over-staining or stain precipitate

Bacteria in stain

Water

Too much EDTA

All of the above

5. We hope you have enjoyed the presentation. If you receive a passing score, a Certificate of Attendance in your name will be awarded at the end of this quiz. Please let us know if you have viewed the entire presentation.

I certify that I have viewed the entire presentation.

I did not view the entire presentation.

6. A blood smear examination can provide information regarding:

The nature and cause of anemia.

Inflammation.

Neoplasia.

Infectious agents.

All of the above.

7. Which of the following is not true of good hematologic technique for wedge smears?

Use a small drop of blood.

Move the top slide smoothly and with a steady motion over the bottom slide.

Provide even contact between the top and bottom slide.

Heat the blood smear before submitting the sample.

Continued practice of this technique results in improved quality.

8. When checking the quality of the stain of a blood smear:

Under low power (10x), RBCs should “pop” and WBCs should be red.

Under low power (10x), RBCs should be red and WBCs should “pop.”

Under low power (10x), RBCs are not visual and WBCs should “pop.”

Under low power (10x), RBCs should be red and WBCs are not visible.

High power (40x) should not be used because the RBCs and WBCs will be blurred.

9. Diff-quik stain is not useful for distemper inclusions.

True

False

10. Which statement is true about examining the red blood cells from a blood smear?

Check for regenerative anemia (if patient is anemic), abnormal shapes, abnormal color and inclusions.

Check for regenerative anemia (if patient is anemic), repetitive patterns, abnormal color and inclusions.

Check for regenerative anemia (if patient is anemic), abnormal shapes, hyperechoic cells and inclusions.

Check for regenerative anemia (if patient is anemic), abnormal shapes, abnormal color and exclusions.

None of the above.

11. Which of the following is not true regarding Diff-quik staining?

You should see prominent nucleoli.

There is a broad range of colors.

You should see uniform chromatin patterns.

It will not stain some mast cell or lymphocyte granules.

None of the above.