Sampling Techniques and Cytology Classifications

Ear sample

A sample that should be gently heat-treated before staining to preserve cellular integrity.

Fine-needle aspirate

A sampling technique used when other methods cannot be completed, allowing for the collection of cells from lesions.

Scraping

A technique that collects many cells from firm lesions by scraping the surface.

Swab

A tool that should not be rubbed across a slide as it can cause damage to the cells.

Imprint

The best sampling method for lesions on a dog's shoulder, allowing for direct transfer of cells.

Tzanck prep

A type of preparation that involves imprinting cells from a lesion onto a slide.

25G needle with 10 mL syringe

The best needle and syringe combination for performing a lymph node aspirate.

Nonaspirate

A technique that uses shearing and capillary action to collect samples.

Punch

A quick biopsy method that uses local anesthetic and requires 1-2 sutures.

Formalin

The proper fixative for biopsy specimens, ensuring preservation of tissue architecture.

Paracentesis

A procedure to collect fluid samples from the abdomen.

Yellowish abdominal fluid with few RBCs

Indicates hemorrhaging that occurred at least two days prior.

Orotracheal transtracheal wash

The best method for collecting a respiratory sample in a fractious cat.

Gravitational sedimentation

The most common method to concentrate CNS fluid samples.

Starfish smear

The best smear method for viscous aspirate samples, allowing for even distribution.

Combination technique

A smear method that allows for three areas of cell distribution on a slide.

Line smear

The best slide preparation method for low-cell fluid samples.

95% methanol

The best fixative for cytology slides, preserving cellular details.

Romanowsky stain

A stain that works well for highlighting cytoplasmic details in cells.

New methylene blue

The best stain for distinguishing between neoplastic and inflammatory cells.

Stained + air-dried slides, serum & EDTA tubes

The proper way to submit samples to a reference lab for analysis.

Suppurative

A classification for cytology with more than 85% neutrophils present.

Karyolysis

A change characterized by swollen, poorly stained nuclei with no visible nuclear membrane.

Malignant

A classification for slides that show mitotic cells.

Epithelial cell tumors

Highly cellular tumors that appear in clumps or sheets.

Round cell tumor

Melanoma is classified as this type of tumor.

<10,000 cells/μL

The normal total nucleated cell count in peritoneal or pleural fluid.

Mesothelial cells

Cell lines that line body cavities and react to excess fluid.