Page 10 - Microsoft Word - Cytology.docx

Example: Pleural fluid cytology is used to diagnose pleural effusion causes, including infections or
cancer.

6. Sample Preparation (Smear, Fixation, Staining)

The preparation of cytological samples involves several steps:
 Smear: The sample is spread thinly across a glass slide. This can be done directly (smear) or
after centrifugation (for liquid-based cytology).
 Fixation: The slide is immediately fixed in a solution, usually alcohol-based, to preserve the
cells and prevent degradation.
 Staining: The cells are stained using various dyes to highlight di erent cellular components. The
most common stain used is the Papanicolaou (Pap) stain, which is particularly e ective for
visualizing nuclear details in cells.

Example: In a Pap smear, the collected cervical cells are smeared onto a slide, fixed with alcohol,
and stained with the Pap stain, allowing for microscopic examination.

7. Interpretation

Interpretation of cytology involves examining the stained cells under a microscope to identify any
abnormalities in size, shape, and organization. Pathologists look for signs of inflammation, infection,
precancerous changes, or cancerous cells. The interpretation is based on the cellular morphology and
the pattern of abnormalities.
Example: In a Pap smear, a pathologist might identify abnormal squamous cells, which could
indicate the presence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection or precancerous changes.

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