title: Conjunctival impression cytology: feasibility of a field trial to detect subclinical vitamin A deficiency.
abstract: Two hundred and thirty-six Guatemalan children aged 2-14 y were examined for subclinical vitamin A deficiency by use of conjunctival impression cytology (CIC). The feasibility of the technique and quality of a modified touch procedure were assessed. Neither lid speculum nor physical restraint in the form of a papoose board was used. The CIC technique was easily performed on children aged greater than 3 y but was more difficult among those less than or equal to 3 y. Laboratory processing of specimens is uncomplicated but interpretation may be problematic and requires clearly defined criteria of normal and abnormal cytology as well as careful standardization of readers.
authors.affiliation: Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Kjolhede
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gadomski
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wittpenn
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bulux
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Rosas
authors.forename: N W
authors.initials: NW
authors.lastname: Solomons
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Forman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000473:pathology*; D003906:Developing Countries; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006166:Guatemala; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D013048:Specimen Handling; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*