Why is a drop of albumin added to the cerebrospinal fluid sample before cytocentrifugation?

Adding a drop of albumin to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample before cytocentrifugation primarily serves to preserve the integrity of the cells. The presence of albumin helps to create a protective environment for the cellular components during the processing of the CSF. This is particularly important because CSF is often low in cellularity, making it crucial to maintain the viability and morphology of any cells present. When centrifuged, albumin contributes to minimizing damage to the cells by preventing them from sticking to one another or to the slides, allowing for clearer visualization and analysis post-centrifugation.

The other options, while they touch on related concepts, do not accurately describe the primary reason for the inclusion of albumin in this context. While enhancing staining or increasing fluid volume might seem relevant to processing samples, they do not reflect the fundamental protective role that albumin plays in preserving cell integrity during cytocentrifugation. Likewise, dilution of the sample does not align with the purpose of maintaining cell morphology and viability, as dilution could potentially compromise the concentration and visibility of cells necessary for accurate assessment.