The squash prep, or slide-over-slide, technique

Step 1: Expel the sample onto a clean slide near one end, preferably toward the frosted edge.

Step 2: Gently place a second slide flat onto the sample at a right angle, forming a cross shape when viewed from above.

Step 3: Using a smooth horizontal motion, spread the material along the slide. The weight of the spreader slide is sufficient for this technique, and any additional digital pressure on the slides will increase the likelihood of cell rupture.