Large-volume cytocentrifuge for processing alcohol-fixed cytologic specimens. Application in urinary cytology

The use of a large-volume cytocentrifuge for the routine processing of urine specimens was investigated. Most specimens arrived in the laboratory mixed with 50% ethanol. Polyethylene glycol was added to the fixative supplied to the clinicians or to the cell suspension received in the laboratory. The slides used in the cytocentrifuge were coated with gelatin or poly-L-lysine to minimize cell loss. The resulting monolayers of cells, with occasional true tissue fragments, were stained by the Papanicolaou method. When indicated, immunocytochemical and histochemical stains were used. The technique gave good morphologic details, good cell yield and consistent staining quality. This method has also been applied to other cytologic specimens, such as serous fluids and fine needle aspirates, with good results. The method saves the time of cytotechnologists, and slides prepared by this technique are suitable for automatic staining.