Conjunctival impression cytology: feasibility of a field trial to detect subclinical vitamin A deficiency.
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.
Kjolhede
C L
CL
Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
Gadomski
A M
AM
Wittpenn
J
J
Bulux
J
J
Rosas
A R
AR
Solomons
N W
NW
Brown
K H
KH
Forman
M R
MR
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*