In the cytospin procedure, use a high speed centrifuge to concentrate the cells on a slide in a uniform monolayer 6 mm in diameter. The monolayer distribution enhances the morphological appearance of the cells present.

Allow the slides to dry in air for several minutes and then stain them with Wright-Giemsa stain. Cytospin slides may be placed in an automatic stainer, such as Hema-Tek, or stained manually.

Perform a 100 or 200 cell differential and record the number of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and blasts cells.

Pathologists must review any slide which has tumor cells, unidentified cells, or immature stages of cells, such as blasts.

Since criteria for review may vary from one laboratory to another, be sure to check the requirements in your laboratory before reporting the differential.