American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnologist Practice Test

In the context of cytology specimen preparation, what minimizes the risk of air drying?

1. Using a thin layer of liquid

2. Quickly transferring specimens to fixative

3. Adopting the nickel method

4. Covering the specimen with a slide

The correct answer is: Adopting the nickel method

In cytology specimen preparation, minimizing the risk of air drying is crucial because drying can lead to cellular distortion and affect the quality of the diagnosis. Adopting the nickel method is effective in this context. This method involves the immediate placement of cells onto a glass slide followed by rapid fixation, which helps to preserve the morphology of the cells and prevents them from drying out. When using the nickel method, a thin layer of tissue or cells is applied directly onto the slide, then fixed rapidly with a suitable fixative. This procedure effectively prevents air exposure, which can lead to drying, thus enhancing cell preservation for microscopic examination. The other methods listed may not provide the same safeguard against air drying. For instance, while using a thin layer of liquid can assist in specimen handling, it does not inherently prevent drying if exposure to air occurs afterward. Quick transferring to fixative certainly helps, but the nickel method is specifically designed to minimize air exposure right from the onset. Covering the specimen with a slide may provide some protection, but it does not ensure rapid fixation and may not be as effective in preventing drying as the nickel method.