Unanticoagulated Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.
These are the MediaLab courses that cover Unanticoagulated and links to relevant pages within the course.
Learn more about laboratory continuing education for medical technologists to earn CE credit for AMT, ASCP, NCA, and state license renewal and recertification. Or get information about laboratory safety and compliance courses that deliver cost-effective OSHA safety training and continuing education to your laboratory's employees.
| Bone Marrow Samples Bone marrow samples are obtained from the patient by a physician. The technologist is responsible for examining the sample macroscopically to ensure that it is adequate, making slides on the unanticoagulated sample and processing the remaining portions of the sample as required for procedures ordered. | View Page |
| Preparation of Particle Smears Particle smears are also made from the unanticoagulated sample. The bone marrow particles are removed from the watchglass and placed on a coverslip. One of the following items: Pasteur pipet, capillary tube or broken end of a wooden applicator stick, may be used to transfer the particles. A second coverslip is placed over the first and the particles are crushed between the coverslips as they are pulled apart. Some practice is needed to perfect this technique. As mentioned previously, this type of preparation provides a more accurate assessment of marrow architecture and cellularity than the direct smear. Morphological detail is preserved on well made slides. The remaining sample may be added to a tube containing EDTA anticoagulant and additional smears may be made if needed. | View Page |
| Which of the following statements are TRUE for aspirated specimens? | View Page |
| Preparation of Direct Smears The sample in the first syringe is quickly delivered into a watchglass or onto a slide. After the technologist verifies the presence of white-gray marrow particles in the sample, push smears and/or coverslip smears from this unanticoagulated sample are made immediately. All films should be rapidly air dried. The appearance of fat as irregular holes in the films also give the assurance that marrow and not just blood has been obtained. This type of smear is referred to as a direct smear and is usually used to evaluate morphology. Although some evaluation of cellularity and M:E ratio is possible, particle smears or biopsy sections provide a more accurate representation of these factors. | View Page |