What is the most common method of preparing smears in cytology?

The most common method of preparing smears in cytology is the compression preparation technique. This method involves placing a small amount of the specimen on a glass slide and then compressing it between two slides or applying gentle pressure with a spreader slide to create a thin layer of cells.

This technique is particularly beneficial because it allows for the even distribution of cells across the slide, which is crucial for accurate microscopic evaluation. The compression preparation helps to minimize cell clumping, making it easier to identify individual cells and assess their morphology. It is widely used due to its effectiveness and reliability in various cytological assessments, particularly for sampling from fluid specimens or scraping tissues.

In contrast, other methods like spread preparation, squash preparation, and touch preparation each have their specific applications and might be advantageous in certain circumstances, but they are generally not as commonly used as compression preparation in standard cytological practice.