Blood Smear -High Power
NOTES:
This is the typical field of view as seen at 400 power (the "high dry" power of your microscope) of a blood smear (Wright stain). Notice that the red blood cells are uniform in size and shape, and most appear as a red ring surrounded by a pale center. This is due to the biconcave shape of each cell (thinner in the center). Platelets appear as small, irregular, dark-staining objects. White cells are better seen at 1000 X (the "oil-immersion" power of a microscope).(Press BACK button on browser to return)