title: Diatoms and rotifers in cytological smears.
abstract: We describe several uncommon contaminants presumably derived from the tap water used in the staining procedure of cytological specimens. We would like to draw attention to the occasional presence of diatoms and fragments of rotifers in cytological specimens. Whilst most of these entities are harmless curiosities, they may cause concern as to their nature and significance.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Piedras Blancas (Asturias), Piedras Blancas, Spain.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Martínez-Girón
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ribas-Barceló
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: García-Miralles
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: López-Cabanilles
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tamargo-Peláez
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Torre-Bayón
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fernández-Alvarez
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003581:Cytodiagnosis; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D017377:Diatoms / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D012403:Rotifera / Q000166:cytology*; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology; D014556:Urine / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology; D014626:Vaginal Smears