This prospective study was conducted to assess the use of modified ultrafast Papanicolaou (MUFP) stain for fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of various organs. In India, many reagents are not easily available. In this modification, Gill's haematoxylin, EA-36, and isopropanol substitute Richard-Allan haematoxylin, cytostain, and ethanol, respectively. Group I included 40 FNAC smears of various organs. In each case, three smears were prepared and stained by MUFP, Papanicolaou, and May-Grunwald Giemsa (MGG) stains. In group II, 10 intraoperative cytology smears of different organs were stained with MUFP and rapid haematoxylin-eosin (H&E). For assessment of MUFP stain, scores were given on four parameters: background of smears, overall staining pattern, cell morphology, and nuclear staining. Quality index was calculated from ratio of score achieved to maximum possible score. Diagnosis made by MUFP stain was compared with standard stains. It was observed that MUFP-stained smears had clear RBC free background, crisp nuclear chromatin, well-stained nucleoli, and transparent cytoplasm. The diagnosis made was correct except in three cases of metastatic squamous-cell carcinoma. Hence, it was concluded that MUFP stain is useful for rapid diagnosis by FNAC, but is not useful for squamous-cell lesions.

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Background:Since the first introduction of Papanicolaou (Pap) stain in 1942 there have been many modifications. Of these, the Ultra-Fast Pap stain has become popular. This technique was further modified in India as many of the reagents were not available in our country. Our study was conducted by adapting this modified staining technique which involves the replacement of Gill's hematoxylin with Harris hematoxylin.Aims:The aim of our prospective study was to assess the use of the modified Ultra-Fast Pap stain (MUFP) for fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of various organs in comparison with the standard rapid Pap stain.Materials and Methods:A total of 100 FNAC cases were studied by random sampling. Two smears were prepared for each case and stained by both, the MUFP and the rapid Pap stain. Scores were given and the quality index was calculated, followed by the statistical analysis. The number of cases was as follows: lymph node (43), thyroid (25), breast (23), salivary gland (02), and soft tissues (07). Scores were given on four parameters: Background of smears, overall staining pattern, cell morphology and nuclear staining. Quality index was calculated from the ratio of score achieved to the maximum score possible.Statistical Analysis:Results were analyzed using Mean, Median, Standard Deviation, ‘t’ paired test, ‘P’ value and M-diff for statistical significance.Results:Correct diagnosis was made in all cases. The quality index of MUFP smears was better compared to the rapid Pap stain in all the organs, and was statistically significant. MUFP smears showed a clear red blood cells background, transparent cytoplasm and crisp nuclear features.Conclusion:MUFP is a reliable and rapid technique for cytology diagnosis.

In tuberculous lymphadenitis, FNAC smears sometimes reveal only caseous necrosis without epithelioid cell granuloma. They pose a diagnostic problem, if AFB staining is negative. The diagnostic clue noticed in these cases was presence of multiple pink, homogenous structures with irregular shape and well-defined margins: "eosinophilic structures" (ES). The purpose of the present study is to find out the nature of ES and their role in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Seventy FNAC smears from documented cases of tuberculous lymphadenitis were classified according to their cytomorphological features. The association and relation of ES with other morphological criteria was noted. Immunoperoxidase staining was performed to find out the reactivity of ES to tuberculous antigen. Its intensity of positivity was compared with epithelioid cell granuloma and degenerating granuloma. It was concluded that ES are degenerated granuloma and thus form an extended diagnostic criterion.