How to evaluate cytology smears:
1. Examine with the naked eye for location and quantity of material
2. Use low power to look over the smear for large structures such as particulate artefacts, large clusters of cells and parasites
3. Move to a higher power to identify areas of interest and other structures
4. Drop oil onto the slide and move to oil immersion lens x100.
Look at all areas of the smear! When examining cytological preparations, try to determine:
• The type of cell(s) present
• The nature of the process(es) present
• The degree of abnormality