How to Determine Sex from a Blood Smear

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Scan the blood smear slide under 100x oil immersion on the microscope for polymorphonuclear neutrophils.

   Neutrophils are typically the most abundant white cells in blood and contain 3-5 segmented nuclear lobes in a pink cytoplasm. , A recommended approach is the "snake-like movement".
   
   Begin at the thin end of the smear and count as you move the slide vertically.
   
   When near the edges of the smear, move the slide horizontally for a distance of about two fields, then proceed vertically back., Form B, or "sessile nodules"
   
   resemble drumsticks but are devoid of any stem.
   
   Form C contain other pedunculated nuclear projections, such as "clubs" and "hooks"
   
   which are easily distinguished from small lobes and forms A and B above.
   
   Form D:
   Neutrophils without any appendages. ,, If there are more As than Cs, the blood is that of a female.
   
   Conversely, if there are more Cs than As, the blood is that of a male.
2. 2

   Step 2: Scan the smear in an orderly fashion.

3. 3

   Step 3: Characterize and record each neutrophil you encounter as one of the following four forms

4. 4

   Step 4: based the presence and morphology of appendages: Form A

5. 5

   Step 5: or "Drumsticks"

6. 6

   Step 6: contain stalked

7. 7

   Step 7: round-headed appendages of chromatin

8. 8

   Step 8: 1.5 μm in diameter

9. 9

   Step 9: attached to a nucleus lobe with a thin stem.

10. 10

    Step 10: Record number of each form as you scan the blood smear

11. 11

    Step 11: until you reach a total of 200 neutrophils.

12. 12

    Step 12: See if there are more Form A or Form C neutrophils.

Detailed Guide

About the Author