Basic Cytology

Basic cytology

Cytology is a valuable diagnostic technique in veterinary practice since it is fast, inexpensive and relatively simple. During this lecture sample collection and preparation will be presented followed by stepwise evaluation using specimens of different lesions. Practitioners just beginning with cytology and more experienced ones will be captivated.

Sample collection and preparation
Samples can be taken by using different techniques depending on the localization and type of lesion. A fine needle aspiration biopsy is an excellent technique for cutaneous and subcutaneous masses. Sampling demands little equipment or skill. It’s recommended to use glass slides with frosted edges, a 10 ml disposable syringe and a 22 gauge needle (Figure 1). Impression smears can be made from superficial lesions or from surgical excised material. A specimen obtained by swabbing or scraping a surface can also be smeared on a glass slide for cytological evaluation. Obtained material can best be spread by the same method applied for making a blood smear, which prohibit cells from being crushed. Use a lead pencil to write name and localization on the frosted edge of the glass slide.
After spreading the material on the glass slide, the specimen needs to be air dried, which can be kept for a long time prior to staining. Diff-Quik and Hemacolor® are readily available stains, which only take a few minutes to stain the slide. This is a major advantage in case of an emergency. Specialized laboratories may prefer different stains. If referring to a laboratory send unstained slides in a suitable container (Figure 1). The University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UVDL) uses May-Grünwald-Giemsa which takes about 30 minutes to stain, however it reveals more detail. […]