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Updated: Feb 18, 2026
Cell Block Preparation from Cytology Specimen with Predominance of Individually Scattered Cells
Published on: July 21, 2009
Self-clotting method improves cell block preparation
Yan Shi1, Jeanine Chiaffarano1, Melissa Yee-Chang1
1Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York.
Background:
The success of cell block preparation is crucial for ancillary diagnostic tests in cytology. However, achieving an optimal cell block can be challenging. The current study describes a self-clotting-based technique for fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cell block preparations and evaluates its usefulness in comparison with the conventional needle wash technique.
Methods:
The clinical data, FNA procedure, and cellularity of cell blocks of the self-clotting group (37 cases) and the conventional needle wash group (33 cases) were compared. The cellularity was evaluated using a scoring system (0 indicated acellular, 1 indicated 1-50 cells, and 2 indicated >50 cells).
Results:
Approximately 76% of cases in the self-clotting group received a score of 2 versus 36% in the conventional needle wash group. Approximately 14% received a score of 1 in the self-clotting group compared with 9% in the conventional needle wash group, whereas 11% in the self-clotting group received a score of 0 versus 55% in the conventional needle wash group. The differences between the 2 methods were statistically significant.
Conclusions:
The results of the current study demonstrate that the self-clotting method is superior to the conventional needle wash method for FNA samples. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;126:190-9. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
