Abstract: Improved cytology centrifuge apparatus includes single or multiple well cell concentrators for being rotated by a centrifugal spinner. A rotor is removably supported by the spinner for rotation and is adapted to receive two or four cell concentrators. The rotor supports the cell concentrators in an unrestrained manner, thereby enhancing the ease of use and flexibility of the apparatus. Each cell concentrator includes a chamber having a top surface in which at least one fluid receiving aperture is disposed and a front surface in which at least one fluid expulsion aperture is disposed. A backing plate is provided with protruding top and bottom edges to vertically align a microscope slide with the chamber so that the fluid expulsion aperture is adjacent to a central portion of the slide. Retention clips secure the chamber to the backing plate with the slide sandwiched therebetween in horizontal alignment.

Abstract: A compact slide spinner is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the compact slide spinner is used to prepare smears for microscopic evaluation. The spinner incorporates a disposable or reusable slide holder which encases a portion of a slide onto which the material to be smeared is placed. The holder containing the slide is then accelerated by spinning. Specimen fluid not adhering to the slide is contained within the slide holder which is discarded following preparation of the smear. Using this low-cost device, a uniform quality smear is quickly and easily prepared, while reducing the risk that laboratory personnel will be exposed to aerosol borne contagions.