ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Certification Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Study Guide for Success!

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How soon should blood smears be made from EDTA specimens after collection?

Within 30 minutes

Within 60 minutes

The ideal timeframe for preparing blood smears from EDTA specimens is within 60 minutes after collection. This recommendation is based on the stability of certain cellular components in the blood. When blood is collected using EDTA as an anticoagulant, it helps to preserve the blood cells for analysis. However, the morphology of the cells can begin to deteriorate if the smears are not made promptly.

Making smears within an hour ensures that the cells remain intact and accurately represent the sample at the time of collection. Delays longer than this can lead to artifacts or changes in cell shape and structure, which may affect the results of any microscopic examination or laboratory tests performed on the slide. While smears can sometimes still be usable beyond this timeframe, the quality and accuracy of the results may be compromised, diminishing the reliability of the analysis.

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