1. A method for preparing a virtual analysis plate for a cytological sample positioned on an analysis plate, comprising the following steps: treating the sample in order to allow pathological cells to be differentiated from healthy cells of the sample, positioning the sample on a slide, and a lamella on the slide, wherein the sample is positioned between the slide and the lamella; locating a reference plane for image acquisition, said reference plain being selected from the upper surface of the slide or by the upper surface of the lamella; carrying out a first acquisition of images of the sample positioned on the analysis plate so as to obtain a first plurality of images, each image representing an area of the analysis plate, said images being placed side by side so as to form an image of the entirety of the sample in order to create said virtual analysis plate; and carrying out a second acquisition of images of the sample, said second acquisition being carried out at a thickness defined with respect to the reference plane that is different from that of the first acquisition, so as to obtain a second plurality of images, the second plurality of images corresponding to a section of the sample made at a different depth than the first plurality of images.