What potential problems can occur when using EDTA anticoagulant and holding blood prior to preparation of thick and thin blood films?

Using EDTA as an anticoagulant for holding blood before preparing thick and thin blood films can lead to several important issues that negatively affect the quality and reliability of the slide preparations. When blood is held for an extended period before preparation, particularly in the presence of EDTA, several problems can arise.

One of the significant concerns is changes in parasite morphology, which can lead to difficulties in accurately diagnosing infections. Parasites in the blood are sensitive to environmental conditions, and prolonged exposure to anticoagulants like EDTA can induce stress in the parasites, causing alterations in their shape and size. This morphological change could hinder the identification of the parasites under the microscope.

Additionally, holding the blood sample before preparation can result in the loss of organisms. Some parasites may degrade or be lost from the sample if it is not processed quickly, reducing the sensitivity of the diagnostic test and potentially leading to false-negative results.

Poor staining is another issue. EDTA can interfere with the staining processes used for blood smears, making it harder to visualize and identify the cells and organisms present. When the staining is not optimal, details that are crucial for diagnosis may not emerge clearly, complicating the interpretation of results.

Considering these potential problems—changes in morphology, loss of organisms,