Cytology- sample collection and handling

When to do swabs

when imprints, scrapings, or aspirates cannot be done

• Fistulous tracts

• vaginal collections

scraping advantages

collection of many cells from firm lesions

scraping disadvantages

• more difficult to collect

• Only collect superficial cells

• may reflect only a secondary bacterial infection or inflammation but hinder dx of neoplasia

imprint advantages

easy to collect and require minimal restraint

Disadvantages

• few cells collected

• large amount of contamination

• only reflect a secondary bacterial infection or inflammation

  hinder neoplasia dx

Tzanck imprint preparation

1. imprint should be done before lesion is cleaned

2. lightly clean lesion with saline/ peroxide and take second slide impression

3. gently debride lesion by cleaning until you see healthy skin and no more gunk/crusties then touch slide to lesion for 3rd impression

4. imprint the bottom of the scab

5. air dry, fix, and stain

Fine needle biopsy prep

• 20-25g needle

• 3-20ml g syringe