How soon can artifactual changes be observed in an unfixed sample?

Artifactual changes in an unfixed sample can indeed be observed as soon as 1 minute after the sample has been collected. This rapid development of artifacts occurs due to various factors, including cellular dehydration, alterations in cellular morphology, and changes in the surrounding environment. The fixation process preserves cells in their natural state, and without it, cells can start to deteriorate quickly due to the inherent instability of their structure.

Given that artifacts arise primarily from the physical and chemical alterations that begin almost immediately after sampling, prompt fixation is critical to prevent these artifacts from confounding the results of cytological examinations. In this context, it is essential to recognize that the timeframe for observing artifacts is relatively short, emphasizing the importance of timely processing for accurate cellular assessment.