Unless the lesion is very moist the swab must first be moistened in isotonic saline.
The swab is r믭 against the surface of the lesion and then gently rolled along a slide, taking care not to rub the swab across the slide since this would damage the cells.
Dry and label as above..
The Cytology Laboratory evaluates specimens from various body sites for the detection of cancer, precancerous changes and other benign conditions..
To create a thin, even, and unruptured sample, the smearing slide is placed crosswise to the sample slide on the tissue sample and gently pressed down to flatten the sample (Figure 2).
Keeping the slides touching via the same gentle pressure, the smearing slide is pulled to the end of the sample slide and off..
It is recommended that the aspiration is done with a syringe with air (2mL).
Smears are prepared from a small drop of the semisolid aspirate placed on a glass slide.
Advance the plunger of the syringe to express a small drop of the aspirated material on the center of the glass side..
Processing cytology samples
Some samples are smeared on glass microscope slides by the doctor who gets the sample.
These slides, which are called smears, are then sent to the cytology lab, where they're dipped into a series of stains (colored dyes), much like those used for biopsy samples..
To create a thin, even, and unruptured sample, the smearing slide is placed crosswise to the sample slide on the tissue sample and gently pressed down to flatten the sample (Figure 2).
Keeping the slides touching via the same gentle pressure, the smearing slide is pulled to the end of the sample slide and off..
Pre-fixation and spray fixatives are recommended when sample has to be sent to a distant laboratory.
Albuminized slides should be used to prepare smears from prefixed sample. 20–30 ml fluid is generally sufficient to get enough cells for cytological evaluation.
These slides, which are called smears, are then sent to the cytology lab, where they’re dipped into a series of stains (colored dyes), much like those used for biopsy samples.
In some situations, a portion of the sample might be stained right away for a preliminary interpretation (called rapid on-site evaluation ).
Specimen from various anatomic sites can be evaluated by cytology.
The techniques for collection, transportation, and preparation of specimen are of prime importance, as an adequate, well-prepared, well-stained smear helps in the ultimate goal of an accurate cytopathological diagnosis. [ 2] .
