Cytologic studies of hematopoietic cells by interference contrast (Nomarski) optics

Nucleoli and other cytologic structures of mature and immature, normal and leukemic hematopoietic cells can be readily and clearly visualized when such material is examined by interference contrast microscopy. Optimum results are dependent upon the use of fresh, unfixed, unstained, briefly dried blood or bone marrow smears mounted in isotonic or near isotonic solutions of low refractive index. By this approach, fixation artifacts are avoided and cellular structures can be seen which may not be visible by any other technic. The methodology and findings, particularly with relation to nucleoli of normal and leukemic leukocytes, are discussed.