Role of unstained smears in determining sample adequacy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine adequacy with air-dried, unstained smears.


METHODS
The study was conducted on a total of 70 cases. The cases were divided into 2 groups. Group I consisted of all 70 and was analyzed by a consultant, observer A. Group II consisted of 41 cases from group I. In addition to observer A, a junior resident with 3 months' experience in pathology (observer B), analyzed the slides independently. The results were compared with those on stained smears.


RESULTS
When correlated with stained smears, in group I, 55 of 58 (94.8%) cases were reported as adequate, and 11 of 12 cases (91.7%) were labeled inadequate. All were proven correct. In group II, stained smears confirmed that 33 of 35 (94.3%) were labeled adequate by observer A and 33 of 36 (91.7%) by observer B. Stained smears did not confirm 1 of 6 (16.6%) cases labeled inadequate by observer A and 1 of 5 (20%) cases by observer B.


CONCLUSIONS
Unstained smear examination is an effective technique for determining adequacy. An inexperienced practitioner can perform it as well.
Prayaga
Aruna K
AK
Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Punjagutta, Hyderabad-500082, India. arunaprayaga56@yahoo.com
Vijaya
K
K
D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000166:cytology; D001940:Breast / Q000166:cytology; D003581:Cytodiagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000166:cytology; D008511:Medicine; D015588:Observer Variation; D011361:Professional Competence; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D018401:Sample Size; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013038:Specialization; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000166:cytology