American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnologist Practice Test

Which advantage does the nickel method provide when preparing cytology smears?

1. Increased air drying

2. Reduction of smear thickness

3. Minimized air drying

4. Faster air drying

The correct answer is: Minimized air drying

The nickel method in preparing cytology smears primarily offers the advantage of minimized air drying. This technique involves the utilization of a nickel plate to facilitate the preparation process, allowing for better control of the drying environments of the smears. By minimizing air drying, the method helps preserve cellular morphology and integrity, which is crucial for accurate cytological analysis. During cytological preparation, overly rapid or uneven drying can result in artifacts or distortion of cellular features. By employing the nickel method, the risk of these issues is reduced, ensuring that the cells remain in a state that accurately reflects their original condition. This can contribute significantly to more reliable diagnostic outcomes, as well-preserved smears yield better histological evaluations. While other aspects of drying may be affected, such as drying speed or thickness of the smear, the primary focus and benefit of the nickel method is specifically related to its ability to minimize conditions that lead to undesirable air drying effects.