In April 1999, the guidance document “Histopathology reporting in cervical screening” was issued.¹ On 45 of that document is the statement “As the appearance of the tissues, even in small biopsies, often shows considerable variation, several levels are required to ensure that small foci of disease are identified”. No more specific guidance was given in the document. The issue of what constitutes “several levels” was discussed at the Symposium of Gynaecological Pathology held by the British Divison of the International Academy of Pathology in Sheffield on 10 September 1999. It was clear from the discussion that there were many varying practices being used. The practice in the laboratory at the City Hospital Nottingham was to examine two sections at each of three levels of the material, all mounted on to one glass slide. It was decided that this practice should be audited against examining two sections at each of six levels to see whether …