What is the optimal angle to hold the spreader when making a blood film?

Holding the spreader at an optimal angle of 30-35 degrees when making a blood film is important for achieving a thin, even layer of blood on the slide. This angle allows for an effective spread of the blood sample, which is crucial for the proper visualization of cellular components under a microscope.

At this angle, the spreader can create a uniform monolayer of cells, ensuring that individual cells are well-separated and easily identifiable. If the angle is too shallow, the blood may not spread adequately, leading to clumping and overlapping of cells, which complicates interpretation. Conversely, if the angle is too steep, it may result in a thick smear that is difficult to analyze, obscuring important diagnostic information. Therefore, maintaining the 30-35 degree angle strikes an ideal balance to provide a quality blood film that meets laboratory standards for microscopy.