Clinical Cytology Flashcards
to learn different cytological procedures, materials used for them, and why we use them
What is cytology used to examine?
cells present in body fluids, cells present on mucosal surfaces, cells present in secretions
What are advantages of cytology?
relatively non-invasive,
works well with most tissues,
usually done as outpatient,
inexpensive equipment/supplies,
rapid results,
few complications
This method of collection is used when imprints, scrapings, and aspirates can NOT be obtained
Swabbing
What are impression smears used for?
to collect samples from external lesions, biopsies, & excised masses
What are some advantages of impression smears?
require minimal restraint & easy to collect
What are disadvantages to impression smears?
collect fewer cells than skin scrapings & contains a greater amount of contamination from bacteria and cellular debris
What equipment is needed to preform an impression smear?
6 clean glass slides, #10 scalpel blade
What are the advantages of skin scraping?
many cells are collected from the tissue which is particularly helpful when scraping firm lesions & no special equipment is needed
What are disadvantages of FNA’s?
fewer cells are collected than with other methods such as scraping
What does FNB stand for?
Fine Needle Biopsy
What are the advantages of an ultrasound-guided FNB/FNA?
ensures correct placement of the needle & helps prevent laceration of surrounding tissues
When preforming an FNB/FNA it is important to remember that…..
negative pressure should be releases before the needle is removed
T/F: when preforming a tissue biopsy, you should clean the site prior to the biopsy
False: when preforming a tissue biopsy, the site should NEVER be cleaned prior
What are the two types of biopsies?
Wedge biopsy & Punch biopsy
When is a wedge biopsy used?
used internally during surgery
When is a punch biopsy used?
used for skin
How is a wedge biopsy obtained?
by using a scalpel
What are advantages of a wedge biopsy?
large and variably sized specimen easily oriented by the pathologist for evaluation, & used to completely excise small, solitary lesions
How many zones does the wedge biopsy transect?
3 zones
1. abnormal (lesion or mass)
2. transition between normal and abnormal
3. normal tissue surrounding the lesion or mass
What are the advantages of a punch biopsy?
easy & quick
What tools are used for a punch biopsy?
a biopsy tool, this tool only rotates in one direction
What are two important things to remember for a tissue biopsy?
artifactual changes in the sample can occur as soon as one minute post-collection & sample must remain in fixative for 24 hours prior to evaluation
What are 4 different types of centesis?
different types of centesis?
1. cystocentesis
2. abdominocentesis
3.thoracocentesis
4. arthrocentesis
What equipment is used for centesis collections?
21g needle, 60mL syringe, purple top tube, lots of clean slides
T/F: when collecting synovial fluid, it does NOT need to be done sterile
False: when collecting synovial fluid it needs to be collected in a sterile fashion
T/F: we use anesthesia when collecting synovial fluid
true
What are bone biopsies used for?
to evaluate bone for abnormalities such as cancer
T/F: bone biopsies should be done surgically, under anesthesia, and is done aseptically
true
What is the tool called that is used for a bone biopsy?
a Jamshidi needle
Cytology
the microscopic evaluation of cells shed from body surfaces, or cells of fluid taken from the body
What is the primary purpose of cytological examination?
to differentiate between inflammation and neoplasia
What are indications for preforming a cytological exam?
ear problems,
nasal issues/discharge,
timing for breeding,
diagnosis of masses,
aspiration of fluid in a body cavity,
TTW
Cytology vs. Histopathology
Cytology: examines cells either individually or in small groups
Histopathology: examines cells in relation to their neighboring cells
T/F: many reference laboratories provide special containers for submitting glass slides & fluid samples to minimize slide breakage
true
Biopsy vs. Aspiration
Biopsy is for SOLID things
Aspirate is for FLUID/LIQUID
T/F: when using a swab for a culture, you should use an unsterile swab
False: you should ALWAYS use a sterile swab if using sample for a culture
What is a sterile swab moistened with?
0.9% sterile saline to minimize cell damage during collection & slide prep
T/F: you should roll a swab sample on a slide rather than rub it
True: rubbing a sample will damage cells within the sample
When is heating a cytology slide necessary?
removing excess ear wax & gram staining
How do you avoid excess heating of the sample?
gentle heat from a warm hair dryer & BRIEFLY passing the slide through a flame
Bacteria can only be definitively diagnosed on what microscope objective?
100x or Oil Immersion
What can impression smears be made from?
ulcerated masses OR from a small portion of a biopsy sample before formalin fixation
Why should slides not be stored in the refrigerator?
condensation can occur and this will cause cells to lyse and prevent adequate testing
What is the technique is used for impression smears?
Tzanck Preparation
For samples collected during a necropsy or surgery (impression smear)…..
blot the surface of the lesion with a clean absorbent sponge to remove blood and tissue fluid first
Where would a skin scraping be preformed?
on lesions
ex. a place of skin that has hair loss
What are the disadvantages of skin scraping?
more difficult to collect, cells can be damaged during collection process, only superficial samples are collected
What equipment is needed for skin scraping?
10 scalpel blade, microscope slildes
What technique is used for a skin scraping?
ALWAYS use a DULL scalpel blade,
do NOT use excessive pressure
What are FNA’s used for?
obtaining samples from masses, lymph nodes, nodular lesions, & internal organs
What are advantages of FNA’s?
superficial contamination can be avoided (especially in cutaneous lesions)
T/F: when penetrating a body cavity or joint for an FNA you DON’T need to surgically prepare the site
False: if penetration of a body cavity or joint must occur OR if microbiological testing is to be performed, the area must be surgically prepped
What materials are needed for an FNA?
21-25g needle, a 3-20mL syringe, & slides
What is the general rule of FNA’s?
the softer the tissue to be collected, the smaller the needle and syringe required to collect it
What is a good “starting size” syringe to use for FNA’s?
12mL
What is the aspiration technique?
- insert the needle into the mass with the syringe attached
- redirect the needle several times while maintaining negative pressure & without exiting the mass
- release the negative pressure before removing the needle from the mass
What materials are needed for an FNA Non-Aspiration?
21-25g needle, 3-20mL syringe, & slides
What technique is used for an FNA Non-Aspirate?
the same as the aspiration technique EXCEPT, insert the needle into the mass without the syringe attached at all OR attach the syringe to the needle without the plunger
