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Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Cell Block Preparation from Cytology Specimen with Predominance of Individually Scattered Cells
Published on: July 21, 2009
Application of dyes to cytology cell blocks and biopsy tissues before processing enhances specimen visualization
Sheila Criswell1, Jada Sutton1
1Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
Abstract:
Cytology specimens and biopsy tissues are frequently small and pale, making them difficult to visualize grossly in paraffin. Ten dyes were assayed on small tissues to determine if specimen discernibility could be increased during the embedding and microtomy steps in the histological process. The ideal dye should not remain visible in a tissue section microscopically after subsequent staining and must not interfere with immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. This study found that Harris hematoxylin and 1% aq. toluidine blue solution were the best labelers for gross tissue visualization and did not adversely affect post-processing staining and IHC assays.
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