The increasing use of cytology in physicians'' offices, and for screening procedures with massive numbers of specimens, has necessitated the simplification of the method for use by clinicians. A laboratory procedure was developed which permits the physician to dry the smear in air and send it in this condition to the laboratory, without using specific procedures for the preservation of cellular material. Such dry smears are satisfactory for rehydration and examination for several weeks in the case of smears of vaginal and endocervical material. Smears made from effusions or fluids should be rehydrated within approximately 7 days. With this method, the examination of smears with the phase contrast microscope does not have to be performed while the material is wet. Smears may be dried and later examined by means of adding a mixture of glycerin and rehydrating fluid.