The objective was to demonstrate the presence of airborne fungal spores, pollen grains, and vegetable cells in smears and establish their significance. Microscopic examination was of smears stained by the Papanicolaou technique. We found several types of airborne spores (Alternaria, Exserohilum, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, Curvularia, and Ascosmycete), pollen grains (Lilium, bullrush, Pinus, Acacia, hazelnut, and oak), and several types of vegetable cells. The existence of these structures may be due to intrinsic or to extrinsic contamination of the sample. Anemophilous fungi spores and pollen grains have been shown to possess great allergenic capacity. Pollen grains and vegetable cells may be mistaken for certain microorganisms or malignant cells.

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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.

The presence of worms in cytological smears is occasionally reported, although various other structures exist that may be confused with such parasites. We present eight worm-like artifacts observed in routine Papanicolaou smears. Recognition of these structures is important to avoid overvaluation or confusion with true worms.

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Several types of contaminants have been reported in cytopathology. The purpose of this study was to show unusual contaminants in cytological smears, such as freshwater microorganisms and other arthropods. In different routine Papanicolaou smears (sputum, cervicovaginal, and voided urine) we mainly found fragments of mites and insects, caused by an intrinsic contamination of the samples or an extrinsic contamination of the smears.

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