Performance should include

• using appropriate PPE
• identifying the purpose of preparing and staining blood films
• following the steps in the procedure for making and staining 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, including organisms commonly found on cytologies (e.g., bacteria, yeast, pollen, epithelial cells)
• following the steps in the procedure for making and staining teacher-selected cytologies (e.g., skin scrape, ear sample, needle aspirate, fecal smear)
• using proper slide preparation techniques.

Teacher Resources:

• Blood Specimens – Specimen Processing, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Resources for High School Teachers, American Society of Hematology
• Synthetic Blood

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?