Making good cytology smears
The choice of technique is determined by the viscosity of the sample. For mucoid samples (e.g. mucus from nasal flushes/BAL samples) and viscous fluids (e.g. joint fluid) we suggest you use the crush technique. For the remaining sample types the pull-push technique and/or crush technique work well.
Pull-Push Technique
Smears should be air-dried immediately to prevent shrinkage (drying) artefact.
Please follow the diagrams to create good cytology smears.
Crush Technique
Slight force only is applied to the slides as they are placed together and pulled apart parallel.
Please follow the diagrams to create good cytology smears.
