What smear technique, good for viscous samples, does not damage fragile cells , but does allow a thick layer of tissue fluid to remain around the cells which may interfere with the evaluation of cell detail.

Cytology is the exam of a single cell type, as often found in fluid specimens. It's mainly used to diagnose or screen for cancer. It's also used to screen for fetal abnormalities, for pap smears, to diagnose infectious organisms, and in other screening and diagnostic areas."