How long should prepared cytology slides remain in fixative before staining?

Prepared cytology slides should remain in fixative for 2-5 minutes to ensure optimal preservation of cellular details. This time frame allows for sufficient fixation of the cells on the slide, which is crucial for accurate staining and analysis. Proper fixation helps to minimize cellular degradation and maintains the structural integrity of the cells, enhancing the staining process and allowing for clear visualization of cellular features under the microscope. If slides remain in fixative for too short a time, they may not be adequately preserved, while prolonged exposure can lead to over-fixation, which can mask cellular characteristics and hinder diagnostic evaluation.