Quantitative and qualitative analysis of stain color using RGB computer color specification.
OBJECTIVE
To establish standardized Papanicolaou stain for cytology using RGB color specification. This new method was formerly used in DTP software application for computer color specification.


METHODS
RGB color specification was taken from a color film, optical constituents of which were made into computer software. Cell samples used in this study were from 100 sputum specimens stained with Papanicolaou stain. We analyzed the color tone of the cytoplasm of squamous cells in the smear.


RESULTS
The R and B value of eosinophilic cells were demonstrated statistically by different values between normal, borderline atypical and malignant squamous cells. G and B values of light green-philic cells demonstrated a statistical difference between normal, borderline atypical and malignant squamous cells. No significant differences were found in RGB value between normal, borderline atypical and malignant squamous orangeophilic cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Using our own method of analyzing Papanicolaou-stained sputum, a new quantitative and qualitative analysis of stain color for standardized Papanicolaou stain was introduced.
Kai
M
M
Second Department of Pathology, Wakayama Medical College, Japan.
Nunobiki
O
O
Taniguchi
E
E
Sakamoto
Y
Y
Kakudo
K
K
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology; D003116:Color; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D012984:Software; D013183:Sputum / Q000737:chemistry; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards