Algae in cytologic smears.
OBJECTIVE
To desmonstrate the presence of algae in smears and establish their significance.


METHODS
Microscopic examination of smears stained by the Papanicolaou technique.


RESULTS
We found 12 different species of algae, clustered in three categories: Cyanophita (blue algae), Chrysophyta (yellow algae) and Chlorophyta (green algae).


CONCLUSIONS
Algae in smears are infrequently observed, with few bibliographic references. Their presence is due to intrinsic or extrinsic contamination. They may be confused with other structures, such as fungi, Charcott crystals or adenocarcinoma cells.
Martínez-Girón
R
R
Institute of Piedras Blancas and Service of Anatomic Pathology II, Hospital Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.
Ribas-Barceló
A
A
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D001201:Ascites / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D003460:Crystallization; D003581:Cytodiagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D013183:Sputum / Q000166:cytology / Q000382:microbiology*; D016482:Urinalysis; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D014626:Vaginal Smears