Reliability of Nucleus-To-Cell and Nucleus-To-Cytoplasm Calculations for Conjunctival Impression Cytology Specimens

Abstract

In assessments of nucleo-cytoplasmic ratios, it is important that the calculation used be specified and that the numbers of cells measured be provided.

Comparison of Morphology of Bulbar Conjunctival Cells Assessed by Impression Cytology versus Scrape and Smear Methods

“…Cells, scraped from normal healthy conjunctiva, would not be expected to show squamous characteristics. 30,32,34 With such a range of descriptions, some level of objective assessment of the cells is logically needed. Objective measures of cell dimensions or areas can be made, rather than trying to rely on descriptions and subjective assessments.…”

“…[28][29][30][32][33][34] A region of interest from across each filter or slide was selected on the basis of being considered representative collections of cells that were monolayered ( Figure 1). A color print was made, an image ID affixed with a scale marker box and scanned to obtain JPEG image files.…”

“…[28][29][30][32][33][34] For each cell, the longest dimension (LONG) was measured, followed by the shorter dimension (SHORT) and the longest dimension of the cell nucleus (NUCLONG). For the same cells, the area included within the cell outline (AREAC) and the area of the cell nucleus (AREANUC) were measured with a digitizer pad.…”

Assessment of size and nucleo‐cytoplasmic characteristics of the squamous cells of the corneal epithelium

“…As visualised by CIC, normal human conjunctival surface cells and those from sheep eyes are small with a prominent nucleus occupying much of the cell, that is, having a ‘high’ nucleo‐cytoplasmic ratio based on assessments of the relative size (area) of the nucleus in relation to the surrounding cytoplasm or overall cell size. Transformed conjunctival cells appear to be substantially enlarged, with a notable change in nucleo‐cytoplasmic ratio, which becomes reduced, that is, the nucleus occupies less of the cell compared to the cytoplasm. This is a feature included in a number of similar grading schemes for CIC‐procured samples .…”