Moth-eaten appearance of red blood cells on a smear can result from which artifact?

Moth-eaten appearance of red blood cells on a smear can result from which artifact?

• A. Improper drying of smear
• B. Water artifact
• C. Both improper drying and water artifact
• D. Staining artifact

Answer: (C)

Moth-eaten RBCs come from damage to the cell membrane caused by slide preparation artifacts rather than true cell changes. When a smear touches water during staining or rinsing, a water artifact occurs and the RBC membranes can lose integrity, producing irregular margins with small interruptions that resemble holes. Improper drying, such as slow, uneven, or too-rapid dehydration, can also crack or collapse membranes, leading to pitted or scalloped areas that look moth-eaten. Because either type of artifact can create this appearance, the result can stem from both improper drying and water artifact. To prevent it, ensure the slide dries completely before staining and avoid exposure to water during the staining process.

Moth-eaten RBCs come from damage to the cell membrane caused by slide preparation artifacts rather than true cell changes. When a smear touches water during staining or rinsing, a water artifact occurs and the RBC membranes can lose integrity, producing irregular margins with small interruptions that resemble holes. Improper drying, such as slow, uneven, or too-rapid dehydration, can also crack or collapse membranes, leading to pitted or scalloped areas that look moth-eaten. Because either type of artifact can create this appearance, the result can stem from both improper drying and water artifact. To prevent it, ensure the slide dries completely before staining and avoid exposure to water during the staining process.