title: A new and standardized method to sample and analyse vitreous samples by the Cellient automated cell block system.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this prospective study, a universal protocol for sampling and analysing vitreous material was investigated. Vitreous biopsies are difficult to handle because of the paucity of cells and the gelatinous structure of the vitreous. Histopathological analysis of the vitreous is useful in difficult uveitis cases to differentiate uveitis from lymphoma or infection and to define the type of cellular reaction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hundred consecutive vitreous samples were analysed with the Cellient tissue processor (Hologic). This machine is a fully automated processor starting from a specified container with PreservCyt (fixative fluid) with cells to paraffin. Cytology was compared with fixatives Cytolyt (contains a mucolyticum) and PreservCyt. Routine histochemical and immunostainings were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 92% of the cases, sufficient material was found for diagnosis. In 14%, a Cytolyt wash was necessary to prevent clotting of the tubes in the Cellient due to the viscosity of the sample. In 23%, the diagnosis was an acute inflammation (presence of granulocytes); in 33%, chronic active inflammation (presence of T lymphocytes); in 33%, low-grade inflammation (presence of CD68 cells, without T lymphocytes); and in 3%, a malignant process.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A standardized protocol for sampling and handling vitreous biopsies, fixing in PreservCyt and processing by the Cellient gives a satisfactory result in morphology, number of cells and possibility of immuno-histochemical stainings. The diagnosis can be established or confirmed in more than 90% of cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Van Ginderdeuren
authors.forename: Joachim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van Calster
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stalmans
authors.forename: Joost
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van den Oord
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000378:metabolism; D015214:Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic / Q000378:metabolism; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006098:Granulocytes / Q000473:pathology; D016591:Histocytological Preparation Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen / Q000378:metabolism; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D016612:Paraffin Embedding; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology; D014605:Uveitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D014821:Vitrectomy; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000473:pathology*; D000097382:CD68 Molecule
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D015214:Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen; C067980:CD68 antigen, human; D000097382:CD68 Molecule
keywords: Cellient®; automated system; cell block; vitreous biopsies