title: Intracytoplasmic barium salts in pleural fluid.
abstract: Cytological examination of the pleural effusion fluid obtained from a 66-yr-old Chinese lady showed numerous intra- and extracytoplasmic colourless refractile non-birefringent crystals. X-ray analysis of the crystals identified barium salts. On further inquiry, it was learnt that the fluid obtained had been placed in a specimen bottle provided by the x-ray department. This container was presumably contaminated with barium salts. The case highlights an unusual aspect of specimen contamination and the usefulness of x-ray analysis in the identification of crystals/substances.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital.
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Cheung
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017609:Barium Compounds / Q000032:analysis*; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000737:chemistry*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D014965:X-Rays
chemical_list: D017609:Barium Compounds