Question

When examining a Wright-stained blood smear, the smear appears to have many cells with a high N:C ratio and dark-blue staining cytoplasm. The cells staining dark blue are

Answer 1

The cells with a high N:C ratio and dark-blue staining cytoplasm in a Wright-stained blood smear are lymphocytes, which include NK cells known for their large nuclei that absorb the stain.

Step-by-step explanation:

When examining a Wright-stained blood smear, cells displaying a high N:C (nucleus to cytoplasm) ratio and dark-blue staining cytoplasm are indicative of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes, which include NK cells, have large nuclei that avidly absorb the Wright stain, and consequently, they appear dark-colored under the microscope. This high affinity for the Wright stain is a characteristic feature of lymphocytes among the various types of white blood cells. In the context of analyzing blood smears, professionals often look for these cells to assess the immune status of individuals and to detect infections by identifying cellular changes, like the formation of morulae structures by certain stealth microbes.