Components and results of a new preparation technique for automated analysis of cervical samples.

Components and evaluations of a new preparative procedure for automated high-resolution analysis of cervical samples are presented. This procedure is based on sedimentation velocity separation of samples with subsequent fractionation of the separation column and centrifugal deposition of suspended cells on coated glass slides. A system for specimen collection and mailing of suspended samples is described. A new type of glass slide designed for automated analysis is presented, and centrifugal buckets for cell deposition on a 6-sq-cm area are described. Experimental results with different kinds of coating substances for glass slides as well as different isopyknic media are discussed, and data for differential cell counts are graphically demonstrated. Looking at the diagnostic accuracy and economic feasibility of this system, the authors realize that preparations have to be evaluated quantitatively and that constraints of sample size and processing time have to be taken into consideration for further developments.