CYTOLOGIC TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES

Question 1

REMEBER!!

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOLOGY is the microscopic examination of CELLS from different body sites for diagnostic purpose

Question 2

Two (2) divisions of diagnostic cytology

Answer 2

1. Fine Needle Aspiration
2. Exfoliative Cytology

Question 3

_____ is a simple, safe and RAPID cytologic technique that has been commonly used for diagnosis of cancer; a procedure in which a thin needle is used to draw cells or fluid from a lump or mass under the skin

Answer 3

FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION (FNA)

Question 4

FNA for palpable masses is obtained by ________________ during needle aspiration useing a ____-gauge needle

Answer 4

FNA for palpable masses is obtained by CONTINUOUS NEGATIVE PRESSURE during needle aspiration using a 25-gauge needle

Question 5

The microscopic examination of DESQUAMUATED CELLS from epithelial surfaces

Answer 5

EXFOLIATIVE CYTOLOGY

Question 6

Father of Exfoliative Cytology:

Answer 6

George N. Papanicolau

Question 7

Applications of Exfoliative Cytology

Answer 7

• For assessing MALIGNANT IR CENCEROUS condition
• For detection of ASYMPTOMATIC CANCER in women (Vaginal cytology)
• For assessment of FEMALE HORMONAL ACTIVITY in case of sterility and endocrine disorders
• For determination of GENETIC SEX in which most of the nuclei of FEMALES represents XX CHROMOSOMES (BARR BODY)

Question 8

Specimens for Exfoliative cytology:

Answer 8

1. Gynecological specimens - cervicovaginal smear (PAP smear)
2. Non-gynecological specimens

Question 9

FOR AN OPTIMAL SPECIMEN IN EXFOLIATIVE CYTOLOGY:

Answer 9

Prepared smears should be FIXED IMMEDIATELY by quick immersion in a fixative or by a spray fixative

Question 10

IF SMEARS CANNOT BE MADE IMMEDIATELY:

Answer 10

Collected material should be placed in 50% ALCOHOL. This can be replaced with SACCOMANO’S FIXATIVE 9composed of 50% ETHANOL + 2% CARBOWAX)

Question 11

ADHESIVES USED IN EXFOLIATIVE CYTOLOGY:

Answer 11

1. pooled human serum or plasma
2. Celloidin ether-alcohol
3. Leuconostic culture

Question 12

REMEMBER!!

EGG ALBUMIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CYTOLOGY because it is intensely stained by the basic light green counterstain of Papanicolau method?

Question 13

SPECIMENS THAT REQUIRED ADHESIVES:

Answer 13

1. Urinary sediment
2. Bronchial lavage
3. Concentrated sputum
4. Lavage sample from GIT

Question 14

FIXATIVES USED IN EXFOLIATIVE CYTOLOGY:

Answer 14

1. Ether alcohol
2. 95% Ethyl alcohol
3. Carnoy’s
4. 100% methanol
5. Commercial aerosol spray

Question 15

BEST FIXATIVE FOR EXFOLIATIVE CYTOLOGY that has the equal parts of 95% ethyl alcohol and ether

Answer 15

ETHER ALCOHOL

note: use of ether alcohol has been abandoned because of its FLAMMABILITY AND EXTREME VOLATILITY

Question 16

MOST COMMONLY USED FIXATIVE FOR ROUTINE CYTOLOGIC SMEARS; routine fixative of choice for cytology smears

Answer 16

95% ETHYL ALCOHOL

Question 17

Substitutes or alternative for 95% ethyl alcohol:

Answer 17

1. METHANOL
2. HAIR SPRAY FIXATIVES
3. CORN SYRUP

Question 18

Fixative used for BLOODY specimen:

Answer 18

CARNOY’S

Question 19

RECOMMENDED SUBSTITUTE for 95% alcohol

Answer 19

100% METHANOL

Question 20

When using a spray fixative in preserving cytological smears, the slide should be kept at a distance of about:

Answer 20

12 inches or 1 FOOT APART