Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • The RapidSmear is a pocketable and disposable device designed to quickly produce high-quality blood smear slides. The RapidSmear is not a diagnostic test but the blood smear slides it produces is a critical component to a medical evaluation.

    After the blood smear slide is made using the RapidSmear, it is transported to the laboratory for microscopic examination by a healthcare professional.

  • A blood smear is a thin layer of blood smeared on a microscope glass slide and then stained with specialized dyes that allows the various blood cells to be examined microscopically. Data obtained from a blood smear slide can be used to diagnose or monitor progression of certain medical conditions.

    Blood smears are used in numerous industries including healthcare, agricultural, and geology. The process of developing a high-quality blood smear slide requires specialized training and years of experience.

  • Microscopic examination of a blood smear slide by a healthcare professional or laboratory scientist can provide valuable information about an individual’s health. For example, the examiner can evaluate the morphology of an individual’s red blood cells which carry nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. Microscopic examination of a blood smear slide is also used to evaluate for the presence of parasites, such as malaria, in the bloodstream that can be harmful to an individual’s health.

    Blood smears are also used similarly in the agricultural industry to screen for parasites, anemia, or cancers in livestock.

  • Yes. The RapidSmear™ can produce high-quality thick and thin blood smears using the same device.

    See our instructions for use (IFU) for details.

  • The RapidSmear™ is so easy to use that any one can produce a high-quality blood smear with minimal training. We’ve compared blood smears produced by the RapidSmear™ to professionally produced slides and the outcome was unanimously in favor of the RapidSmear™ in ease-of-use and slide quality.

  • Because blood smears slides are made of glass, it is important to dispose of them in designated sharps and biohazard containers. Personnel should observe all universal precautions for the handling of bodily fluids.

    For more information, review the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) bloodborne pathogens standard, 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.1030.

  • The RapidSmear’s™ durability allows for multiple use after it has been thoroughly disinfected between each use. After each cleaning procedure, the RapidSmear™ needs to be inspected to ensure it still functions as intended.

    The RapidSmear™ should be disposed of in accordance with guidelines regarding disposal of sharp and bio-hazardous laboratory equipment.

    For more information, review the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) blood-borne pathogens standard, 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.1030.

  • The RapidSmear™ is injection molded using sustainable recycled high impact polystyrene (HIPS). HIPS is very durable, warp resistant, and biosafe.

    At HemaGlobal, the health of our community is just as important as our environmental health.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • The wiper can only be mounted onto the base in a specific direction. Please ensure the wiper is oriented in the correction direction before attempting to the mount it. The arrows on the wiper should be pointing away from the HemaGlobal logo on the base.

    Ensure both the wiper and base are free of damage or defects.

    If you continue to have fitment issues with your RapidSmear unit, please contact our team for help.

    • Please ensure the wiper is mounted onto the base in the correct orientation and both guide rails are properly engaged.

    • If your RapidSmear unit has been cleaned or sanitized, please inspect your unit to ensure there are no damage or deterioration from the cleaning solution.

    • Please inspect your RapidSmear unit to ensure there are no damage or defects.

  • We recommend using a metered pipette to ensure an accurate volume when applying your specimen. Another option is to apply your specimen in small droplet increments using a disposable pipette or a capillary stick until the desired volume is achieved.

    Be sure to use the specimen indicator (circle) in the base to help determine the optimal specimen volume.

  • It is very important to use clean glass slides to minimize unwanted contaminants in your specimen. We recommend cleaning both the specimen and smearing glass slides with rubbing alcohol and drying with lent free wipes such as Kimwipes.

  • Streaks and tails along the feathered edge of your blood smear can be caused by a few issues.

    • Contaminants on the glass slides. We recommend cleaning your specimen and wiper slides before each use. If a wiper slide is being reused, make sure the smearing edge is free of debris or defects in the glass edge.

    • Defects in the wiper glass slide. Please inspect the edge of the wiping glass slide to ensure it is free of debris or defects. Chips or cracks in the glass slide is a common occurrence during shipment.

    • Not enough pressure on the wiper glass slide. When holding the wiper, make sure to grip it along the front edge as demonstrated in our IFU and How-To video. It is also helpful to maintain a slight downward pressure on the wiper when preparing the blood smear. This will ensure a constant glass-to-glass contact (between the specimen glass and the wiper glass) for optimal results.