Cell block preparation on residual ThinPrep� sample

Abstract

The liquid‐based cytology system ThinPrep® has overcome many of the deficiencies of the conventional Pap test. However, the cytologic appearances of the cells in the liquid‐based medium are different and staffs of laboratories adopting the new system have to be specially trained. Even after the training sessions provided by the vendor, the cytology staff still face a sharp learning curve initially. One way to recognize the different appearances of cells in the liquid‐based system is to look at paired split‐sample cases from the same patient in laboratories offering the test as an adjunct to the conventional Pap test. Laboratories offering direct‐to‐vial testing may be able to overcome the difficulties with some cases by performing cell block sections of residual materials in the samples. The protocol for making cell blocks and its application in resolving difficulties with high‐grade squamous and glandular epithelial lesions is illustrated in this report. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1999; 21:427–431. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Diagnostic value, feasibility, and validity of preparing cell blocks from fluid-based gynecologic cytology specimens

“…This totals Ͻ $12.50 per slide/case. Using step-sections and examining only one slide per cell block greatly reduces the cost when compared with "cutting through" the block and producing 6 -10 slides per case, as reported by Yeoh et al 11 The results of the current study provide evidence of the validity of performing cell block preparations in cervicovaginal, gynecologic cytology specimens. This is similar to evidence demonstrating the usefulness of the cell block preparation within nongynecologic cytology.…”

Advantages of Manual Liquid-Based Cytology in Cervicovaginal Smears With Special Emphasis on Cell Block

“…Thus, in considering a new screening methodology it is important to consider its limitations alongside those of existing methods. 9,10 False negatives in CPS may be related to inadequate sampling, inadequate transfer of sample onto glass slide or deficiencies in microscopic assessment of the slide. A falsenegative Papanicolaou smear result is defined as "the failure to demonstrate abnormality by Papanicolaou examination in a woman who has disease".…”

“…9,10,11 One way to recognise the different appearances of cells in the liquid-based system is to look at paired split-sample cases and to perform cell block sections of residual materials in the samples.…”

“…Because of this, adequate cellularity within the cell block sections is difficult to achieve. This Problem of Inadequate Cellularity can be evaluated by using Following Features 10 1. Concentration and alignment of singly scattered cells in a narrow plane adjacent and parallel to the cutting surface of the cell block.…”

Cell block preparation as an adjunctive diagnostic technique in Thinprep� monolayer preparations: A case report

“…Recently, the presence of "microbiopsies" was reported in the PreservCyt vial of the ThinPrep Pap Test™, the result of using an agar-based cell block preparation method. 2 To our knowledge, this is the first report of a thrombin-based methodology to produce a diagnostically useful cell block from residual ThinPrep Pap Test™ material.…”