The morphology of blood cells is important to evaluate:

a. Every time a complete blood count (CBC) is requested on a patient
b. When an instrument-generated flag is obtained
c. When flag limits established by clinical laboratory scientists in the laboratory are exceeded
d. When the white count is elevated

ANS: C
Every laboratory must determine, based on its instrumentation, needs of the clinician and other parameter flags that alert the clinical laboratory scientist to the necessity for further evaluation, by examining cell morphology. Many instrument-generated flags, although useful, may not require review. If an automated CBC does not suggest the need, then no reason exists to evaluate the blood film, even if the white count is elevated.