Page 26 - Differential Diagnosis in Small Animal Cytology, The Skin and Subcutis

Collection and Preparation of Cytology Specimens
13

VetBooks.ir

Fig. 2.2. Impression smear technique.

2.3 Smear Preparation Techniques

Squash preparation
• Use
Appropriate for most cytology samples.
• Technique
The material obtained by fine-needle sampling (with or without syringe) is expelled on to a
slide. A second smear is placed on the top of the first slide in order to allow spreading of the
material. The slides are then pulled apart, resulting in cells smearing on both slides. Care
should be taken not to apply excessive pressure, which may result in cell damage. The sam-
ple material should not travel over the edge of the smear.

Blood smear technique
• Use
Appropriate for slide preparation of liquid samples.
• Technique
A drop of specimen is placed at the end of a slide. The end of a second slide is placed in front
of the drop at approximately an angle of 30–45 degrees and slid backwards until it comes
into contact with the sample drop. The sample will spread out along the width of the spreader
slide. The spreader slide is advanced forwards, creating a smear with a feathered edge.