A quick method for concentrating and processing cancer cells from serous fluids and fine-needle nodule aspirates

A quick method of concentrating cancer cells and the preparation of cytological slides from body fluids and aspirates is described, using a single Ficoll gradient and cytocentrifuge. The method eliminates the disadvantages of conventional techniques, i.e., excess contamination by red (erythrocytes) or white (leukocytes) blood cells and a scarcity of cancer cells. Because the technique is simple and requires only standard cytotechnological equipment, it can be easily adopted as an aid to diagnostic routine in cancer cytology.