An MLT receives a pap smear cervical specimen in the lab to be fixed immediately. What is the correct fixation protocol?

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Multiple Choice

An MLT receives a pap smear cervical specimen in the lab to be fixed immediately. What is the correct fixation protocol?

Fixation is essential to preserve cellular morphology for Pap smears, and it must be done immediately with an alcohol-based fixative. Immersing the smear in 95% ethanol quickly denatures and precipitates cellular proteins, locking in nuclear and cytoplasmic details and preventing artifacts from drying. This compatibility with the Pap staining process yields crisp, reliable morphology for evaluation. Air-drying allows artifacts to form and degrades staining quality, so it’s not appropriate. Formalin cross-links proteins and can alter staining patterns, making it unsuitable for Pap smears. Saline provides no fixation, leading to autolysis and poor preservation of cellular details.

Fixation is essential to preserve cellular morphology for Pap smears, and it must be done immediately with an alcohol-based fixative. Immersing the smear in 95% ethanol quickly denatures and precipitates cellular proteins, locking in nuclear and cytoplasmic details and preventing artifacts from drying. This compatibility with the Pap staining process yields crisp, reliable morphology for evaluation.

Air-drying allows artifacts to form and degrades staining quality, so it’s not appropriate. Formalin cross-links proteins and can alter staining patterns, making it unsuitable for Pap smears. Saline provides no fixation, leading to autolysis and poor preservation of cellular details.

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