Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Cytology preparation
Cornflake artifact on Pap smears
Also known as: cornflake artifact
What it looks like
Appears as irregular, wavy, and flake-like structures on the slide.
Where it usually appears: Typically seen in Pap smears during microscopic examination.
Likely causes
- Inadequate fixation of the cytological sample
- Dehydration of the specimen during processing
- Improper handling or transport of slides
Immediate checks
- Inspect fixation time and conditions
- Review slide preparation techniques
Corrective action
- Re-fix the specimen using appropriate fixative
- Ensure proper dehydration steps are followed
Preventive action
- Standardize fixation and processing protocols
- Train staff on proper slide handling techniques
This atlas is for educational purposes for laboratory professionals. It does not replace your institutional SOPs, manufacturer instructions, validated protocols or pathologist judgment. Adapt any action to your laboratory and equipment.
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