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Cytology and Cytological Techniques
Cytology and Cytological Techniques
Cytological
Techniques
Clinical Pathology
Cytology
The microscopic examination
of cells.
Generally refers primarily to
cells exfoliated from tissues,
lesions, and internal
organ/tumor cells.
A very valuable diagnostic tool.
Is inexpensive
Is quick and easy
Involves little or no risk to the
patient
Cytology Continued
2 techniques
Aspiration
Collect with 22-25 gauge needle
Use 3-12 ml syringe
Need slides
Non-aspiration
FNA Aspiration Technique
Hold mass/lymph node firmly
Introduce the needle with syringe attached into the mass
Apply strong negative pressure by withdrawing the plunger to
about 2/3 -3/4 of the volume.
Do several times in same area or redirect needle.
Stop negative pressure and remove needle from mass
Remove needle from syringe and air is drawn up into syringe
Sample that is in hub of needle is expelled onto slide by rapidly
depressing the plunger
Hold needle close to slide, if too far away will result in small
droplets that dry rapidly before smear technique may be done.
FNA Non-Aspiration
Technique
Works best for small
masses that are difficult
to aspirate.
Works well for highly
vascular tissues
Using a needle only,
move rapidly back and
forth (stabbing motion).
Withdraw needle and
place syringe with air to
force onto slide.
Preparation of smears
from aspirates
Squash prep method
Needle spread method
Blood smear method
Squash Preparation
With experience, can yield excellent cytologic smears
Aspirated material is placed on the center of the slide
A second slide is placed over the sample to form a
cross.
Carefully slide apart from first slide (Put down on and
pick up to move).
Do not place excessive downward pressure to the first
slide because will cause distorted ruptured cells
The weight of the spreader slide is sufficient to
adequately spread the cells.
Needle Spread Method