How is sediment prepared in the Cell Block method for centrifuged specimens?

In the Cell Block method for preparing sediment from centrifuged specimens, the supernatant is intentionally removed after resuspension to isolate the sediment effectively. This practice allows for the collection of concentrated cellular material, which is essential for creating a representative sample for further analysis.

By pouring off the supernatant, which contains the liquid portion of the specimen and may dilute the results, the focus remains on the more relevant cellular components that settle at the bottom of the centrifuge tube. This concentrated sediment can then be embedded in media for sectioning or further processing, facilitating accurate diagnosis and examination in the laboratory setting. The step of removing the supernatant after thorough resuspension ensures that important cellular elements are not lost and enhances the quality of the prepared samples.