An evaluation of the diagnostic adequacy and immunocytochemistry of manual liquid-based smears in breast aspirates
Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Medpharm Publications
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine if the Syner-Med®/Cell-Solutions® liquid-based cytology (LBC) technique would provide adequate diagnostic material when applied to breast fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens and to determine its suitability for immunocytochemistry. A prospective study was undertaken of 38 consecutive patients who underwent FNAB of breast masses in the Fine Needle Aspiration Clinic at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, over a period of six months. Conventional smear cytology slides (CSC) were formulated and the material that remained in the needle was used to prepare the LBC Syner-Med®/Cell-Solutions® slides. The CSC and LBC slides were evaluated by two pathologists. The assessed parameters were cellularity, background and representative diagnostic material. Immunocytochemical stains for pancytokeratin (MNF-116) and oestrogen receptor were performed in each case. In 33 cases (87%), LBC compared favourably with CSC. Adequacy rates of 84.2% for CSC and 76.3% for LBC were found. A diagnosis was made in 78.9% of the CSC cases and in 71% of the LBC cases. The LBC slides showed excellent results, with immunocytochemical staining for MNF-116 and oestrogen receptor. The Syner-Med®/Cell-Solutions® LBC fixative and preparation method provides an alternative technique for obtaining well fixed and prepared slides that are suitable for diagnostic cytology and immunocytochemistry.
Description
CITATION: Shibemba, A. L. et al. 2013. An evaluation of the diagnostic adequacy and immunocytochemistry of manual liquid-based smears in breast aspirates. Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and Infection, 28(2):117-121.
The original publication is available at http://www.sajei.co.za
The original publication is available at http://www.sajei.co.za
Keywords
Liquid-based cytology, Breast -- Needle biopsy, Breast -- Cytology, Breast -- Cancer -- Diagnosis, Immunocytochemistry
Citation
Shibemba, A. L. et al. 2013. An evaluation of the diagnostic adequacy and immunocytochemistry of manual liquid-based smears in breast aspirates. Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and Infection, 28(2):117-121.