
Are Unstained Smears, Effective Tools in the Evaluation of the Cytological
Sample Adequacy?
1672-1674
Correspondence
Dr. Hemalatha A.L.,
Professor, Department of Pathology,
No.156, 12th cross, 2nd Main,Jayanagar,
Mysore – 570014, Karnataka, India.
Phone: 08453399335
E-mail: halingappa@gmail.com
Background: Cytologists are often under time pressure due to a constant need and a demand for quick despatch of reports, which calls for an early assessment of sample adequacy.
Objective: To study whether unstained smears are effective in evaluation of sample adequacy of cytology aspirates.
Materials and Methods: The study had 3 groups. Assessment of sample adequacy of cytology aspirates was done on unstained smears in Group I (200 cases), Group II (100 cases out of Group I) and Group III ( 80 cases out of Group II ) by a Professor, Assistant Professor and a junior resident respectively. The results were compared with assessment of adequacy on stained smears and statistical analysis was done.
Results: Evaluation of adequacy of cytology aspirates by examination of unstained and stained smears by 3 observers of varied experience revealed no significant difference between the observers and between the stained and unstained smears (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Unstained smear study offered advantages over the stained smears in the evaluation of sample adequacy. Hence, it maybe recommended as a routine practice in cytology clinics.