Perform the procedure for preparing and staining blood films and cytologies.

Performance should include

• using appropriate PPE
• identifying the purpose of preparing and staining blood films
• following the steps in the procedure for making, staining, and analyzing blood films using simulated/synthetic blood
• recognizing the components of blood (red cells, white cells, platelets, plasma) and their functions
• recognizing characteristics of normal and abnormal blood films
• following the steps in the procedure for making, staining, and analyzing teacher-selected cytologies (e.g., skin scrape, ear sample, needle aspirate, fecal smear).

Process/Skill Questions:

• Why is properly preparing and staining a blood film important?
• What are the consequences of improperly preparing and staining a diagnostic lab sample?
• What are some types of specimens that may be prepared for in-house diagnostics?
• What are the protocols for maintaining clean lab supplies and keeping stains viable?
• Why is properly preparing and staining a blood film important?
• Which blood collection tube should be selected for a sample that will be used for a blood smear?
• What happens to mammalian blood which is not stored in the refrigerator? How does this affect the blood smear?
• Is there zoonotic potential in blood, and which type of PPE should be used when handling blood in the veterinary setting?

Teacher Resources: 

• Blood Specimens – Specimen Processing, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/diagnosticprocedures/blood/specimenproc.html Links to an external site.)
• American Society of Hematology Resources for High School Teachers (https://www.hematology.org/education/educators/resources-for-high-school-teachers Links to an external site.)
• Synthetic Blood (https://knowledge.carolina.com/life-science/anatomy-and-physiology/synthetic-blood/ Links to an external site.)