Journal of Clinical & Experimental Pathology
Open Access

Abstract

The role of liquid based cytology was compared to conventional preparations cytology in the evaluation of ultrasound guided fine needle aspirates of abdominal lumps. 30 patients presenting with abdominal masses were aspirated. The material was processed conventionally and residual material was rinsed into Cytolyt for liquid based cytologyby Thin Prep method and into cell block fluid. The smears prepared from both the methods were compared by two independent pathologists and were compared for adequacy, cellularity, architectural pattern, cytoplasmic and nuclear preservation, background, presence of non epithelial elements and overall diagnostic accuracy. There was no statistically significant difference in adequacy of material (p value=0.112). Cellularity was more often higher in conventional smears than on Thin Prep slides (p value=0.025). Recognition of architecture was better on conventional smears (p value=0.001). Cytoplasm was better preserved on conventional smears (p value=0.001) but difference in preservation of nuclear details was not statistically significant on slides prepared from both the techniques. The background of Thin Prep slides are significantly cleaner than direct smears (p value=0.001). Non epithelial elements like mucin and neurofibrillary tangles were better preserved on direct smears (p value=0.001) but diagnostic accuracy for both the methodologies showed no statistically significant difference (p value=0.226). The Thin Prep technique utilizes expensive equipment and reagents and also generates certainmorphological artifacts in slides prepared with which a cytologist needs to get familiar.When used in isolation it may not consistently provide any added advantage in the diagnosis of such lesions and should be used as an adjunct to conventional smears. It may be preferred where material has to be transported or required for ancillary tests.

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