Are unstained smears, effective tools in the evaluation of the cytological sample adequacy?
BACKGROUND
Cytologists are often under time pressure due to a constant need and a demand for quick despatch of reports, which calls for an early assessment of sample adequacy.


OBJECTIVE
To study whether unstained smears are effective in evaluation of sample adequacy of cytology aspirates.


METHODS
The study had 3 groups. Assessment of sample adequacy of cytology aspirates was done on unstained smears in Group I (200 cases), Group II (100 cases out of Group I) and Group III ( 80 cases out of Group II ) by a Professor, Assistant Professor and a junior resident respectively. The results were compared with assessment of adequacy on stained smears and statistical analysis was done.


RESULTS
Evaluation of adequacy of cytology aspirates by examination of unstained and stained smears by 3 observers of varied experience revealed no significant difference between the observers and between the stained and unstained smears (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Unstained smear study offered advantages over the stained smears in the evaluation of sample adequacy. Hence, it maybe recommended as a routine practice in cytology clinics.
Professor and HOD,  Department of Pathology, Mysore Medical College & Research Institute ,  Karnataka, India.
Hemalatha
H
A L
Umarani
U
M K
Asha
A
U
Gayathri
G
M N
Adequacy; Unstained