What must be done to the aspirate before performing a compression smear?

Placing the aspirate in the middle of a slide is critical for creating a compression smear because it allows for even distribution of the sample across the slide surface. This technique is essential for obtaining a thin, uniform layer of cells that can be adequately examined under a microscope. The placement ensures that, when the second slide is used to compress and spread the aspirate, it effectively covers the slide without excessive clumping of cells, which could impede diagnostic accuracy.

When the sample is appropriately positioned on the slide, it facilitates better visualization of cellular morphology, helping to identify abnormalities that may indicate disease. This process is foundational in cytology as it directly impacts the quality of the slide and the subsequent analysis.