Crenation is an artifact observed in a blood smear caused by which condition?

Crenation is an artifact observed in a blood smear caused by which condition?

• A. Slow drying of the smear
• B. Rapid drying of the smear
• C. Prolonged exposure to bright light
• D. Excessive heat during fixation

Answer: (A)

Crenation is a drying artifact in a blood smear caused by osmotic dehydration of red blood cells during the drying process. When the smear dries slowly, water leaves the cells and solute concentrations at the membrane rise, causing the membranes to shrink and form irregular, scalloped projections. This results in the characteristic crenated appearance of the cells. To minimize this artifact, allow the smear to air-dry quickly and evenly at room temperature. Rapid drying tends to preserve morphology better and is less likely to produce crenation, while prolonged exposure to bright light or excessive heat during fixation tends to cause other types of distortions or color changes rather than the crenated look.

Crenation is a drying artifact in a blood smear caused by osmotic dehydration of red blood cells during the drying process. When the smear dries slowly, water leaves the cells and solute concentrations at the membrane rise, causing the membranes to shrink and form irregular, scalloped projections. This results in the characteristic crenated appearance of the cells. To minimize this artifact, allow the smear to air-dry quickly and evenly at room temperature. Rapid drying tends to preserve morphology better and is less likely to produce crenation, while prolonged exposure to bright light or excessive heat during fixation tends to cause other types of distortions or color changes rather than the crenated look.