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Cell Block Preparation from Cytology Specimen with Predominance of Individually Scattered Cells
Published on: July 21, 2009
Morphologic and immunocytochemical performances of effusion cell blocks prepared using 3 different methods
Xin Jing1, Qing Kay Li, Ursula Bedrossian
1Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 48109-0054, USA. xinjing@med.umich.edu
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|January 29, 2013
Summary
The CytoLyt-prefixed thrombin clot (CTC) method for effusion cell blocks shows excellent cellular detail and reliable immunocytochemical staining. This technique is a valuable adjunct for preparing nongynecologic specimens.
Area of Science:
- Cytopathology
- Histotechnology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- The ThinPrep method is increasingly used for nongynecologic specimens.
- Cell blocks are commonly prepared from CytoLyt-fixed cells.
- Standard cell block preparation methods include plasma thrombin clot (PT) and HistoGel (HG).
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the morphologic and immunocytochemical performance of effusion cell blocks prepared using CytoLyt-prefixed thrombin clot (CTC).
- To evaluate CTC against plasma thrombin clot (PT) and HistoGel (HG) preparation methods.
Main Methods:
- 25 malignant or benign serous fluids were analyzed.
- Three cell block types (CTC, PT, HG) were prepared simultaneously from each specimen.
- Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunostaining for various markers (pan-CK, CEA, EMA, B72.3, HBME-1, ER, PR, CD45, CD20, CD3) were performed.
Main Results:
- CTC cell blocks demonstrated compatible cellularity and good cellular details.
- Immunostaining showed a similar percentage of positive cells with CTC compared to other methods.
- CTC method yielded the strongest staining intensity and least background staining.
Conclusions:
- The CytoLyt-prefixed thrombin clot (CTC) method is reliable for preparing effusion cell blocks.
- CTC can be effectively used as an adjunct to existing preparation techniques.
- This method enhances diagnostic accuracy in cytopathology.
