Abstract: An apparatus for use in depositing and staining cytological material on a microscope slide has an elongated hollow tube, a base member, at least one flange, and a base plate. The base member is attached to the bottom end of the tube and projects outwardly from the tube perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube. At least one flange is connected to the base member and outwardly-extends from the base member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The base member has a recessed area configured to receive the microscope slide, and slots configured and dimensioned to receive the flange. A passage in the base plate extends from each slot to releasably secure the respective flange when the tube is rotated. As designed, this apparatus advantageously allows individual staining of a slide, thereby preventing false-positive results due to floater cells which can translocate between slides in a common bath.

Abstract: A device for disaggregating cytological material includes a cylindrical body and a plurality of shear plates at least one of which is located at the bottom end of the cylindrical body. The shear plates have a plurality of holes or slots formed therein which disaggregate the cellular sample and permit the passage of single cells and small cell clusters into a chamber defined by the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A process for producing a monolayer of cytological material on an optically-clear, cationically-charged substrate, includes the steps of separating the cytological material by centrifugation over a density gradient, producing a packed pellet of the cytological material, mixing the pellet of the cytological material, withdrawing an aliquot of a predetermined volume of the material from the mixed pellet of the cytological material, depositing the aliquot and a predetermined volume of water into a sedimentation vessel, which is removably secured to the substrate, allowing the cytological material to settle onto the substrate under the force of gravity, and after settlement of the cytological material, removing the water from the sedimentation vessel.

Abstract: According to the invention, a piston fit filter/dispenser vial and method of using same is provided. The vial comprises a conventional filter, for example a piston fit serum filter closing the lower end of the vial and a closure having a pressure source fitting closing off the upper end of the vial. The vial also includes a transfer tube having a first end inside the vial adjacent to the filter and a second end outside vial. Filtrate, for example filtered blood serum, within the vial may be transferred in predetermined aliquots to one or more awaiting sample containers from the vial by applying a predetermined volume of air from a pressure source via the pressure source fitting whereby displaced serum is forced up the transfer tube and out of the vial.