[Foundations for differential cytology of cervical changes. 1. Introduction and methods (author's transl)]

A brief historic account of the development of exfoliative cytology in the context of the uterine cervix is followed by discussion of the most important technical fundamentals for the preparation of cytological specimen smears. High-accuracy cytological diagnosis depends on careful preparation techniques, which is of particular importance when it comes to highly subtle differential cytology. The authors' own experience is likely to suggest that closest attention must be given to all empirical insights regarding collection of material, fixation, and staining, since this is the key for cytological specimens to provide from low technical and material input invaluable diagnostic information about most various lesions of the uterine cervix.