When sending slides to pathologists, what type of preparation is preferred?

When sending slides to pathologists, the preferred preparation is three unstained and unfixed smears. These types of slides allow the pathologist to evaluate the cellular morphology without the potential interference of stains or fixatives that could affect the interpretation of the cells' features. Unstained, unfixed smears preserve the cells' natural state, making it easier to assess qualities such as cell size, shape, and arrangement, which are crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Staining, while useful for highlighting certain cellular features, introduces additional variables that might obscure or alter those features. For instance, stains can bind to cellular components in a way that may not reflect their natural appearance, thereby complicating the pathologist's ability to make a definitive diagnosis based solely on cellular characteristics.

In practice, pathologists often prefer slides that provide the clearest view of the samples' cellular architecture to ensure accurate assessment and diagnosis.