Exfoliative Cytology

Question 1

deals with the microscopic study of cells that have been desquamated from epithelial surfaces.

Answer 1

Exfoliative cytology

Question 2

Exfoliated cells may be found in:

Answer 2

spontaneously shed or physically removed from epithelial and mucous membranes.

Question 3

Cytological specimens collected from female genital tract:

Answer 3

cervical smear
Vaginal smear
endometrial smear.

Question 4

observed in normal cells due to constant growth and replacement with new cells -

Answer 4

Spontaneous exfoliation

Question 5

Specimen can be collected from the epithelial surfaces by:

Answer 5

• scraping the surface
• by swabbing
• aspirating
• washing the surfaces.

Question 6

Exfoliative cytology is usually recommended for the following:

Answer 6

1. Detection of malignant cells in body fluids
2. Detection of precancerous cervical lesions in women
3. Assessment of female hormonal status (sterility and hormonal disorders)
4. determination of genetic sex -most of the nuclei of females exhibit conglomeration of chromatin, representing XX chromosomes (Barr body)
5. detection of infectious agents.

Question 7

Smear Preparation (Exfoliative Cytology)

Smears should be made from?

Answer 7

Fresh material, prepared in doctor’s office/radiology units

Question 8

Smear Preparation (Exfoliative Cytology):

Direct Smear Preparation and Labelling

Answer 8

1. Material is smeared evenly on slide
2. Label with name, age, date and type of specimen, identifying number @frosted end

Question 9

Histotechnicians performs:

Answer 9

1. Special stains on cytology smears
2. Blood films
3. Cytopreps

Question 10

Most commonly received cytoprep

Answer 10

Thin prep

Question 11

Thin prep is wet-fixed in

Answer 11

95% ethanol

Question 12

Wet fixation of cytoprep in 95% ethanol is to preserve….

Answer 12

1. Fine structure of chromatin
2. Evaluation of nuclear changes

Question 13

avoided with smears for cytological detection of neoplasia because it changes the appearances of the cells.

Answer 13

Air drying

Question 14

usually air-dried specimens

Answer 14

Slides bearing BLOOD or BONE MARROW SMEARS