Biospecimen repositories and cytopathology

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Pathology
• Biobanking

Background:

• Biospecimen repositories are crucial for advancing biomedical research.
• Limited literature exists on biobanking cytology specimens like fine-needle aspiration (FNA), gynecologic, and non-gynecologic samples.
• Cytology specimens offer valuable potential as additional resources compared to surgically excised tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of biobanking various cytology specimens.
• To highlight the suitability of cervicovaginal, FNA, and non-gynecologic specimens for biobanking.
• To identify knowledge gaps in the procurement, storage, and quality assessment of cytology specimens for biobanking.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on cytology specimen biobanking.
• Identification of suitable specimen types and preparation methods for biobanking.
• Assessment of current practices and knowledge gaps.

Main Results:

• The biobanking potential for FNA, gynecologic, and non-gynecologic cytology specimens is significant.
• Suitable specimens include Papanicolaou-stained preparations, liquid-based cytology residuals, Diff-Quik-stained smears, cell blocks, and frozen FNA samples.
• Excellent potential exists for utilizing these specimens as valuable research resources.

Conclusions:

• Cytology specimens represent a largely untapped resource for biobanking.
• Standardization of operative procedures for procurement, storage, and quality assessment is essential.
• Further studies, conferences, and workshops are needed to facilitate the use of cytopathology specimens in biobanking and biomedical research.