Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

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What is the primary use of a cytospray in cytology?

To stain cells
To fix samples
To count cells
To analyze cell shape

The correct answer is: To fix samples

The primary use of a cytospray in cytology is to fix samples. In the context of cytological preparation, cytosprays are commonly used to quickly spray a fixative solution onto cytology specimens on slides after they have been collected. This rapid fixation helps preserve the cellular morphology and nuclear detail necessary for accurate microscopic examination and diagnosis. Fixation is a crucial step in cytology as it prevents degradation of cellular components and maintains the structure of the cells, allowing for better staining and visualization of the sample under the microscope. Without proper fixation, the cells may undergo artifacts or changes that could lead to misinterpretation of their characteristics during analysis. While staining, counting, and analyzing cell shape are important steps in the overall process of cytology, the application of a cytospray specifically addresses the fixation of samples to ensure their integrity before any further processing or analysis can take place.