1. A method for preparing a virtual analysis plate ( 2 ) for a cytological sample ( 4 ) positioned on an analysis plate ( 8 ) with view to allowing cell analysis of said sample, comprising the following steps: performing a treatment of the sample, said treatment being carried out for allowing pathological cells to be differentiated from healthy cells of the sample ( 4 ), carrying out at least one first acquisition of images of the sample ( 4 ) positioned on the analysis plate ( 8 ) so as to obtain a plurality of images, each image representing an area ( 18 ) 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 a virtual analysis plate ( 2 ), characterized in that it comprises the following steps: locating a reference plane of the analysis plate comprising a slide or a lamella positioned above the slide, for acquiring images, said reference plane being defined by the surface of the slide or of the lamella; and carrying out at least a second image acquisition, said second acquisition being carried out at a thickness different from that of the sample of the first acquisition, so as to obtain a plurality of images, corresponding to a section of the sample made at a different thickness.