Are Unstained Smears, Effective Tools in the Evaluation of the Cytological
Sample Adequacy?
Published: December 1, 2012 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2012/.2642
Hemalatha A.L. Umarani M.K., Asha U., Gayathri M.N.
1. Professor and HOD, Department of Pathology,
2. Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology,
3. Post Graduate Student, Department of Pathology,
4. Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology,
Mysore Medical College & Research
Institute, Karnataka, India.
Correspondence
Dr. Hemalatha A.L.,
Professor, Department of Pathology,
No.156, 12th cross, 2nd Main,Jayanagar,
Mysore – 570014, Karnataka, India.
Phone: 08453399335
E-mail: halingappa@gmail.com
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.
Materials and 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).
Conclusion: 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.
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