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How to Create a Blood Smear

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VPG

At the Veterinary Pathology Group (VPG) we want to assist you in providing the best care for your patients possible.

Sending the best possible sample to your diagnostic laboratory can help to reduce delays and improve the quality of the results that you receive.

That’s why we have put together a step-by-step guide to assist you with creating a blood smear.

Step 1

Label a clean slide with a frosted end. Place a small drop of blood (4mm diameter) about 0.5cm from the frosted end (patient slide).

Step 2

Using a second slide (spreader slide), place the short end of this slide, at a 30-degree angle, on the patient slide, in front of the blood droplet. The entire short edge of the spreader slide must be in complete and even contact with the patient slide.

Step 3

In one smooth motion, pull the spreader slide back into the blood droplet and allow the droplet to spread along the edge of the spreader slide. This happens quickly. Push the spreader slide forward, smoothly and quickly, along the length of the patient slide. Maintain the 30° angle, smooth motion, slight downward pressure, and even contact between slides for an optimal smear.

Step 4

Your smear should extend along no more than 3/4 the length of the slide and should have a “tongue” shape with a feathered edge (at the tip of the “tongue”).

For further assistance, please contact your nearest laboratory using the contact details available on our website.