title: The Tzanck smear test: rediscovery of a practical diagnostic tool.
abstract: The Tzanck smear test is a simple, rapid, valuable, and cost-effective diagnostic method based on the investigation of characteristics of individual cells. In this method, materials are obtained by various techniques and then transferred to a glass slide. Slides can be stained with various dyes and then are examined under a light microscope. To date, cytology has mostly been used in the diagnosis of various erosive-vesiculobullous and nodular lesions, including many tumors. The sampling methods for Tzanck smears and the cytologic findings of a broad range of skin diseases that could provide a rapid diagnosis are described.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Baakent University, Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey.
authors.forename: Murat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Durdu
authors.forename: Deniz
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Seçkin
authors.forename: Mete
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baba
mesh_terms: D004396:Coloring Agents; D003581:Cytodiagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008853:Microscopy; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D012882:Skin Tests / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents