The physician collects cells from the cervical surface with a spatula and from the endocervical canal with a small brush. Squamous cells are thus collected from the external part of the cervix, glandular cells from the endocervical canal and metaplastic cells from the transformation zone. The sample is then smeared onto glass slides and fixed by means of a spray or by immersing the slides in an alcohol solution. After fixation, the slides are sent to the laboratory, where cells are stained with special staining solutions and then examined under the microscope.
