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.