Clin Path Cytology of specific sites.

What tubes are Peritoneal and Pleural fluid collected in?

EDTA tubes. Some taken in a red tube to determine the TP concentration.

How much fluid should the peritoneal and thoracic cavities have in them?

Only enough to lubricate the surfaces of the organs and cavity walls.

What is the normal color, turbidity, and odor of peritoneal and pleural fluid?

Colorless, transparent, and odorless.

What are gross discoloration and increased turbidity a result of?

A result of increased cell numbers and/or protein.

What does malodorous (smelly and unpleasant) peritoneal fluid indicate?

Indicates a ruptured or necrotic segment of bowel or accidental enterocentesis.

What is the TNCC

Total Nucleated Cell Counts.

How is a TNCC performed/what is the normal?

Same methods as a complete blood count. Noting all cell types and morphologic characteristics. And any bacteria. Normally is less than 10,000 nucleated cells/uL.

What do the TNCC and total protein classify as?

Transudate, modified transudate, and exudate.

What is Exudate TNCC & TP?

Increased cellularity and protein concentration. Suppurative inflammatory reactions increase the total cell count.

What is transudates TNCC & TP?

Low protein concentrations and a low TNCC less than 500uL.

What is a modified Transudate TNCC & TP?

Relatively low to moderate TNCC. High total protein concentrations. Low number of inflammatory cells.

Cytology of Lymph Nodes

Diagnosing causes of lymph node enlargement, and differentiating hyperplasia, inflammation, neoplasia. Reactive lymph nodes are responding to antigenic stimulation.

Cerebrospinal Fluid cytologies

Normally no RBCs. Mostly Mononuclear cells (Lymphocytes).

Pleocytosis

Elevated CSF Nucleated Cell Count. Mostly due to neutrophils from inflammation associated with viruses, fungi, neoplasia, or degenerative conditions.

Aqueous and Vitreous Humor

Low cellularity, mostly mononuclear cells, No RBCS, low protein.

Synovial Fluid Analysis.

Observing for color, turbidity, and direct smear.

Normal Synovial fluid

Clear to straw yellow and non-turbid and the viscosity reflects the quality of concentration and hyaluronic acid - which is joint lubrication.

Tracheal Wash cytology normal.

TNCC is not performed. Normal is few cells, small amounts of mucus, epithelial cells are most common.

Abnormal Tracheal wash cytology

Generally - exudates. Eosinophilic, spiral casts. Suggests chronic bronchiolar problem.

Normal Nasal Flush cytology

Cornified and non-cornified squamous epithelial cells. Adherent bacteria. Negligible evidence of hemorrhage or inflammation.

Abnormalities in a Nasal Flush

Sepsis, fungi, yeasts, and neoplasia.

Normal Ear Swabs

Cornified squamous epithelial cells, little evidence of inflammation, few microorganisms.

Common abnormal findings of ear swabs

Bacteria and Yeast. Malessezia (Yeast)

Vaginal Cytology cells

Anuclear, Superficial, Intermediate, Parabasal.

Vaginitis and Metritis

Inflammation of the vulva or uterus resulting in pinkish-white discharge. Non-cornified squamous cells. Large numbers of neutrophils, possibly bacteria.

How do we evaluate semen volume?

In a volumetric flask.

Different kinds of gross appearances of semen opacity and color

Thick, creamy, opaque, milky opaque, opalescent milky, watery milky.

How is wave motility in sperm classified as?

Very good, good, fair, poor. Based on the amount of swirling activity observed in a drop of semen on a slide at low magnification.

Live/dead sperm ratio.

Staining with a vital dye permits discrimination between life and dead spermatozoa. Live sperm resist staining and remain white. Dead sperm stain a pink.

Sperm morphology/parts.

Head, Midpiece, Tail.

Defects on sperm

Head too large, too small, oddly shaped, or double. Midpiece kinked, swollen, twisted, double. Tail coiled.

Other cells in semen

WBCs, RBCs, Epithelial cells, note bacteria or fungi.

Examination of Milk normal

Less than 300,000 to 500,00 cells/mcL. Less than 10% neutrophils.

Mastitis Milk cytology

Greater than 500,000 cells/mcL. Up to 95% neutrophils.