Hematology test slide

A hematology test slide, which comprises:

• a first cover slip;
• a second cover slip;
• a spacer interposed between the first cover slip and the second cover slip, the spacer having a closed end portion and an open end portion, the open end portion being defined by a pair of spaced apart legs extending from the closed end portion, the closed end portion interiorly defining a sample deposit area, and the pair of spaced apart legs of the open end portion defining between the legs an optical read area;
• and
• a slide housing, the slide housing having a top housing member and a bottom housing member joined to the top housing member, the top and bottom housing members defining a cavity in which is received the first cover slip, the spacer and the second cover slip;
• wherein the optical read area of the spacer is covered by the first and second cover slips, and the sample deposit area is uncovered by the first cover slip to allow a fluid sample to be deposited onto the sample deposit area;
• wherein the bottom housing member includes a base plate which is planar in form, the base plate being affixed to the top housing member to encapsulate within the cavity of the slide housing the first cover slip, the spacer, the second cover slip and any fluid sample residing in the optical read area of the spacer;
• wherein the base plate includes an optical read opening formed through the thickness thereof, the optical read opening in the base plate being situated in alignment with the optical read area of the spacer;
• wherein the top housing member of the slide housing includes a sample deposit opening formed through the thickness thereof, the sample deposit opening being situated in alignment and in fluid communication with the sample deposit area of the spacer and for receiving through the sample deposit opening a fluid sample;
• and
• wherein the optical read opening formed in the base plate is offset from the sample deposit opening formed in the top housing member so as to be in non-alignment with the sample deposit opening.