Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Impression Cytology of the Lid Wiper Area
Published on: August 9, 2016
Blind pleural biopsy in combination with cytology of pleural effusions
Abstract:
The efficiency of a combination of blind pleural biopsy and pleural cytology was examined in a retrospective study of 181 cases observed between 1968 and 1978. The material contained 64 confirmed cases of malignant tumors and 20 of tuberculosis. Of the tumors, 81.3% were diagnosed by one or both methods; 18.7% remained negative. In 53% of the cases, the positive diagnoses corresponded between the two methods; in 26.6% the tumor was found only by cytology and in 10.9%, only by histology. Repeat investigations slightly improved the results with both methods. Reasons for false-negative cytology were bad preservation, fibrosis, nonexfoliative tumors and a mistake of preparation in one case. False-positive results occurred twice in histology, and two cases judged highly suspicious by cytology proved to be clinically negative. In cases of tuberculosis, histologic diagnosis was superior to microbiologic diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
Pleura of the Lungs
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Sputum Studies I: Gram Stain, cytology, and Acid-fast smear and culture
Gram Stain
The Gram Stain is an integral part of sputum studies. It involves the staining of sputum, which permits...
Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...

