Which of the following is a disadvantage of using AC-free blood for blood smears?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using AC-free blood for blood smears?

Blood without an anticoagulant clots quickly after collection, so it cannot be spread into a smooth, even smear. Once clotting begins, you’re limited to only a few usable smears before the clot blocks spreading and introduces artifacts. Staining and smear quality don’t improve with AC-free blood; in fact, clotting tends to make staining variability and smear quality worse due to clump formation and uneven cell distribution.

Blood without an anticoagulant clots quickly after collection, so it cannot be spread into a smooth, even smear. Once clotting begins, you’re limited to only a few usable smears before the clot blocks spreading and introduces artifacts. Staining and smear quality don’t improve with AC-free blood; in fact, clotting tends to make staining variability and smear quality worse due to clump formation and uneven cell distribution.

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