Study of diagnostic efficacy of cytosmears versus cell block technique in the evaluation of fluid cytology

Dr S Srikanth

Volume : VIII, Issue : II, February - 2019

Study of diagnostic efficacy of cytosmears versus cell block technique in the evaluation of fluid cytology

Dr S Srikanth

Abstract :

Introduction: Cytological examination of serous fluids is of paramount importance not only in detecting cancer cells, but it also reveals information regarding various inflammatory conditions of serous memanes, various bacterial, viral, fungal infections and parasitic infestations.

Materials & Methods: The present study is a prospective study done for a period of two years. All the details of the case were taken, initially fluid cytology examination was done for total count and differential count using Leishmans stain and Neubauer chamber. Later on cell block is made for the same case and studied and compared.

Results: A total of 120 fluids were examined and among them pleural fluids constituted highest number of cases followed by peritoneal fluid and pericardial fluid. Synovial fluid was not considered in our study. Age group between 41–50 years contributed highest number of cases and male patients contributed more cases than females.

Conclusion: Cell block technique or paraffin embedding of sediments of fluids is amongst the oldest methods of prep� materials for microscopic examination. The main advantage of the cell block over smear examination is the better preservation of architectural details and ease of obtaining multiple sections for special stains and immunohistochemistry.