Cytology

In cytology biomedical scientists prepare and look at samples of cellular material collected from almost any part of the body. Although best known for screening cervical smears, they also provide a non-gynaecological service. Cells are harvested both naturally, eg from body fluids, and artificially, eg using brushes to gently scrape or fine needles to aspirate cells. Stained preparations are searched microscopically for pre-malignant and malignant cells. The specialised techniques are used in histology are also applicable to cytology