Zellabstrich

Zellabstrich, also known as cell smear, is a diagnostic technique in cytology where cells are collected from a surface, fluid, or tissue and transferred onto a glass slide for microscopic examination. The method is widely employed in medical fields such as gynecology, pulmonology, urology and pathology to detect malignant, inflammatory or infectious conditions. Typical applications include the Pap test for cervical cancer screening, sputum smears for respiratory infections, urine cytology for bladder carcinoma and fine‑needle aspiration smears of thyroid or breast lesions.

The procedure begins with sampling, which may involve a brush, swab, spatula or needle, depending on the site. The collected material is spread thinly across the slide to produce a uniform monolayer of cells, a step that improves visibility of nuclear and cytoplasmic details. After air‑drying or fixation, the slide is stained, most commonly with Papanicolaou or May‑Grünwald‑Giemsa stains, to highlight morphological features. Stained slides are examined by trained cytotechnologists and cytopathologists, who assess cell size, shape, nuclear chromatin pattern, and the presence of atypia or abnormal mitoses.

Advantages of the Zellabstrich technique include its minimally invasive nature, rapid processing time and relatively low cost compared with tissue biopsy. Limitations involve sampling error, potential insufficient cellularity, and the need for expert interpretation. Ongoing developments such as liquid‑based cytology and computer‑assisted image analysis aim to increase diagnostic accuracy and standardise reporting.