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.
![](https://www.cytopath.co.uk/images/general/_w480/sample-advice-cyto-smears-1.jpg)
![](https://www.cytopath.co.uk/images/general/_w480/sample-advice-cyto-smears-2.jpg)
![](https://www.cytopath.co.uk/images/general/_w480/sample-advice-cyto-smears-3.jpg)
![](https://www.cytopath.co.uk/images/general/_w480/sample-advice-cyto-smears-4.jpg)
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.
![](https://www.cytopath.co.uk/images/general/_w480/sample-advice-crush-1.jpg)
![](https://www.cytopath.co.uk/images/general/_w480/sample-advice-crush-2.jpg)
![](https://www.cytopath.co.uk/images/general/_w480/sample-advice-crush-3.jpg)