OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

When making a blood film the best type of specimen is:

1. a. Fresh capillary blood

2. b. Fresh arterial blood

3. c. Fresh venous blood

4. d. Fresh anticoagulated blood

The correct answer is: a. Fresh capillary blood

The best type of specimen for making a blood film is indeed fresh capillary blood. This is primarily because capillary blood allows for a more effective spread and morphology assessment when creating a blood smear. Fresh capillary blood is rich in cells and provides a good representation of the cellular components present in blood. Using fresh capillary blood is beneficial for several reasons: it typically contains a balanced mix of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which are vital for evaluating various hematological conditions. Additionally, the smaller droplets of capillary blood can be more easily spread thinly on a glass slide, which is crucial for the microscopic examination process. Fresh arterial blood and fresh venous blood could also be used, but they are less common for routine blood films. Arterial blood is collected less frequently and can pose challenges during collection, while venous blood may change in composition if not processed quickly. Fresh anticoagulated blood may be useful for certain testing, yet the coagulation will not be ideal for preparing a thin blood film, as it may clump cells together or alter morphology. In summary, the characteristics of fresh capillary blood make it the preferred choice for preparing a blood film, providing an accurate and clear representation of the blood