Examine slide under low magnification and locate the area of the thin feathered edge. In this area the cells will be spread out which facilitates their identification. 7 - 8u in diameter.
Azurophilic granules are also present.
The nucleus consists of 2 - 5 lobes. To locate basophils, scan the slide at medium power for leukocytes which are stained a dark blue. Examine any such cell under oil immersion. Basophils are characterized by irregularly shaped granules which stain a dark blue. The nucleus is lobed, however, it is often obscured by the granules.