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Anticoagulant
Blood collected with use of
EDTA anticoagulant is acceptable; however, if the blood remains
in the tube for any length of time, true stippling may not
be visible within the infected RBCs (Plasmodium vivax,
as an example). Also, when using anticoagulants, it is important
to remember that the proper ratio between blood and anticoagulant
is necessary for good organism morphology. The tube should
be filled with blood to provide the proper blood/anticoagulant
ratio. Heparin can also used, but EDTA is preferred. Finger-stick
blood is recommended, particularly when the volume of blood
required is minimal (no other hematologic procedures have
been ordered). The blood should be free-flowing when taken
for smear preparation and should not be contaminated with
alcohol used to clean the finger prior to the stick.
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