Thin Smear of Blood

In this experiment we will make a thin smear of blood in order to observe the various types of blood cells present. In order to make the smear, the following will be needed; Fresh Blood sample, microscope slides and a glass spreader, Wrights' stain and Phosphate Buffer. Procedure: Cleanse a finger with an alcohol swab, then take a sterile lancet and make a puncture on a fingertip. Transfer a small drop of blood near the edge of the slide. Position the other microscope slide at an angle of 30o. Pull the second slide (spreader slide) forward until it touches the drop of blood. Let the blood run along the edge of the spreader. Push the slide backward to the end of the slide with a smooth movement. Dry the blood smear at room temperature. Adequate drying is essential to preserve the quality of the film. Once smear is dry then begin staining with Wright's Stain. To stain the film, cover the smear with the staining solution by adding 10-15 drops on the smear. Wait exactly for one minute, and then add equal number of the drops of buffer solution. Mix the reaction mixture adequately by blowing on it. Wait 8- 10 minutes, and then wash the smear by using tap water. Stand the slide in a draining rack to dry. Once the slide is completely dry, examine the prepared slide under high power 40X objective lens or under oil immersion lens and identify the cellular components which are visible? Results: Under observation of 400X magnification, the following cells were identified, erythrocytes, platelets. Under oil immersion leukocytes were identified. Conclusion: based on the results from observing the blood smear we find that a given sample of blood contains millions of red blood cells with, with thousands of platelets and white blood cells scattered between.

EXPERIMENT 2: DIFFERENTIAL WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT

Blood contains 5 different types of white blood cells (leukocytes) which can be distinguished by staining with dyes. White blood cells can also be divided into two groups granular or agranular leukocytes, which is a classification use based on the presence or absence of granules in their cytoplasm. There are three types of granular leukocytes; neutrophils, eosinophil and basophils. Neutrophils are cell that increases in response to bacterial infection. Its function is to removes and kills bacteria through phagocytosis. Eosinophils are cell that increases in response to parasitic infections and allergic reactions. Basophils are cell that increases in response to parasitic infections and allergic reactions. The agranular leukocytes are lymphocytes and monocytes. Lymphocytes are white blood cell that fights viral and some bacterial infections by direct attack or the production of antibodies. Monocytes are cell that increases during a variety of conditions including severe infections. It removes debris and microorganisms by phagocytosis. The Differential White Blood test id conducted to determines the percentage of each type of white blood cell in a person's blood. Hypothesis: Blood sample should reflex normal percentage values. Procedure: Using the same prepared blood smear from the previous experiment. Under oil immersion, practice identifying each cell type. Then count a total of 100 white blood cells using a hand counter and record the number of each type seen. Results: The following tables show the total number of white blood cells, the number of cells per mm3, and percentage.

WBC Tabulation

Neutrophils Eosinophils Basophils Lymphocytes Monocytes Total number of cells counted

50 6 4 39 1 100

Leucocyte Types Percent Number of cells per mm3(% x total WBC count)

Neutrophils 50% 5000

Eosinophil 6% 600

Basophils 4% 400

Lymphocytes 39% 3900

Monocytes 1% 100

Conclusion: Based on the result of the number of cells counted, we can presume that the percentages found in the sample provided were within the normal range for white blood cells. If the percentages were higher or lower than the normal range then this relative value would indicate the presence of a disease.

EXPERIMENT 3: BLOOD GROUP TYPING TEST

Blood Group typing tests are used to inform you and your healthcare providers of your specific blood type. Believe it or not but not all blood types are compatible with each other; therefore, information about your blood type is vital in the event that you should ever need to get a blood transfusion or transplant. What blood type you have depends on the ABO system which is used to distinguish your blood type. The ABO group of a person depends on whether the red blood cells contain one, both, or neither of the 2 blood group antigens A and B. There