CelLock ^TM: an innovative standardized cell-block preparation procedure.

Area of Science:

• Histopathology
• Cytopathology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Cellular specimens like fine needle aspirates (FNA) and small biopsies often present challenges for traditional processing.
• Existing methods may not preserve all cellular material or genetic information effectively for downstream analysis.
• Standardized protocols are needed for optimal cell-block preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the CelLock™ procedure kit for collecting and preparing diverse cellular specimens into paraffin cell-blocks.
• To demonstrate the utility of CelLock™-prepared cell-blocks for subsequent histological and molecular analyses.
• To establish a standardized method for reproducible cell-block processing.

Main Methods:

• The CelLock™ kit was used to process various cellular specimens, including FNA, cultured cells, and small biopsies.
• Prepared cell-blocks were embedded and sectioned using standard microtomy techniques.
• Sections were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, special stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and in situ hybridization (ISH).

Main Results:

• The CelLock™ procedure successfully created paraffin cell-blocks from a wide range of cellular specimens, including those with scant tissue or cells.
• Virtually all submitted specimens were contained within the cell-blocks, allowing for reproducible embedding and sectioning.
• The preserved cellular material within the cell-blocks retained protein and genetic information suitable for histological and ancillary testing.

Conclusions:

• The CelLock™ procedure kit offers a standardized and effective method for preparing cell-blocks from challenging cellular specimens.
• This method ensures optimal preservation of cellular material for comprehensive histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular analyses.
• CelLock™ facilitates reproducible processing, enhancing the diagnostic yield from small or scant specimens.