American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnologist Practice Test

What is a characteristic of the nickel method of preparing cytology samples?

1. Spreading in a lateral pattern

2. Spreading in a tight circular pattern

3. Using excessive water

4. Using specialized staining techniques

The correct answer is: Spreading in a tight circular pattern

The nickel method of preparing cytology samples is characterized by spreading the material in a tight circular pattern. This technique is designed to create a uniform and thin layer of cells on the slide, which facilitates optimal observation under the microscope. The key aim is to achieve an even distribution of cells without overlapping, allowing for clearer visualization of cellular details and pathology. In contrast, spreading in a lateral pattern would likely lead to uneven distribution and make it more challenging to identify individual cells. Excessive water can dilute the cellular material and disrupt the integrity of the sample, potentially leading to a loss of information. Specialized staining techniques may be employed in various cytological preparations, but they are not a defining feature of the nickel method itself. Thus, a tight circular pattern is the most accurate representation of the nickel method's sample preparation approach.