False negatives and false positives in a wet mount slide? - Answers

In a wet mount slide, false negatives occur when the presence of microorganisms or pathogens is overlooked, potentially due to low concentration or poor visibility under the microscope. Conversely, false positives arise when non-pathogenic substances or artifacts are mistakenly identified as pathogens. Both errors can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, emphasizing the importance of meticulous preparation and examination of the slide. Accurate interpretation relies on proper technique and familiarity with the expected microscopic findings.