Cytocentrifugation of body fluid samples can cause some morphologic artifacts, as shown in the image on this page. The technique can stretch and distort cellular and nuclear morphology and allow nucleoli to appear more prominent than would normally be seen in peripheral smears. Incorrect cytocentrifuge speed and time settings can accentuate these artifacts. Adding a drop of 11% or 22% albumin to the volume of a serous fluid sample being cytocentrifuged aids in preserving the cellular morphology. (Albumin should not be added to synovial fluid samples as they inherently have sufficient protein to preserve cellular integrity).
Cytospin, however, does not change nuclear:cytoplasmic ratios, nor does it alter relative chromatin textures or clumping patterns. This technique can make cells appear larger than on the peripheral blood smear, but it does not change cytoplasmic textures and granulation. Focusing on these features can make cytospin morphology less intimidating.
