Cross-contamination in cytology processing: a review of current practice.

Introduction: New cytopreparatory technologies decrease the need for direct smears in favor of an increased use of liquid-based cytology methods. Despite these practice changes, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments continue to require that cytopathology laboratories have procedures to prevent cross-contamination (CC). While the incidence of CC is not well documented, specific cytologic preparations and specimens with a high potential for CC have not been generally defined by professional guidelines or consensus.