title: Cell block cytology. Improved preparation and its efficacy in diagnostic cytology.
abstract: Cell blocks prepared from residual tissue fluids and fine-needle aspirations can be useful adjuncts to smears for establishing a more definitive cytopathologic diagnosis. They can be particularly useful for categorization of tumors that otherwise may not be possible from smears themselves. A modified cell block technique using an improvised ethanol formalin fixative (Nathan alcohol formalin substitute) followed by a simple paraffin processing schedule is described. This improved preparation offers excellent cytomorphologic features corresponding closely to cells in Papanicolaou-stained smears and ensures optimal preservation of histochemical and immunocytochemical properties. The technique is simple and reproducible and uses routine safe laboratory chemicals. The efficacy of cell blocks also is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Anatomical Pathology Division, Queensland Health Pathology Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Australia.
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Nathan
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Narayan
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Horn
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000166:cytology; D003581:Cytodiagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000166:cytology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D016612:Paraffin Embedding; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016707:Tissue Fixation / Q000379:methods