How can artifacts impact cytological interpretations?

Artifacts can significantly impact cytological interpretations because they can mimic actual disease processes or obscure crucial details that are essential for accurate diagnosis. For instance, in cytology, artifacts may arise from the preparation and staining processes, leading to cellular changes that resemble pathological conditions. These distortions may confuse a pathologist or cytologist, creating the illusion of abnormalities that are not truly present. Consequently, recognizing and differentiating between artifacts and real pathological features is crucial in achieving a correct diagnosis, making their presence a critical consideration in cytological analysis.