AuTomATion in CytoLogy

methods is a fundamental denominator — they use liquid-based smear preparation, with instrumentation and methodologies differentiating each specific platform. Since the late 1990s, we have seen the increased use of collection vials containing a liquid medium (alcohol-based) preserving the cells. The samples are processed in the laboratory into a thin layer of cells, stained and screened with an automated system. If required, a manual confirmation by light microscopy is done. Although conventional cervical smears have been the norm for decades and used to manually screen for cervical cancer and precancerous cells, liquid-based cytology and automation have steadily gained ground, and although not necessarily a threat AuTomATion in CytoLogy Challenging cases represent failure to detect abnormalities existing at the time of screening