We (histotechs) do the cyto-prep in our lab when the cyto tech is off.  

As for CSF's, we prep the sample as-is, with no preservatives or
diluents;  we vortex thoroughly and use 8-10 drops per sample chamber on
the Shandon Cytospin, and place the finished slides immediately into 95%
ethanol until ready to stain. We get very good results with this
technique.  Hope this helps. 




Diana Goodwin, HT
Trenton, NJ

> ----------
> From: 	DFlynn9872@aol.com[SMTP:DFlynn9872@aol.com]
> Sent: 	Saturday, April 03, 1999 9:44 PM
> To: 	histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject: 	Cytology preparation
> 
> Hello Histonetters:
> 
> I was curious to find out if other histotechs are also responsible for
> 
> cytology preparation in their laboratories.  And also, if anyone has
> any 
> suggestions on how to do cytoprep on CSF.  I centrifuge the CSF with 
> saccomano fluid added for 10 minutes at 3200 rpm (this is the only
> centrifuge 
> I have access to), then cytospin for 3 minutes at 2000 rpm.  The slide
> is 
> then immediately placed in 95% alcohol for fixation until ready to pap
> stain. 
>  The problem is that our pathologists say there are no cells on the
> stained 
> slide.  So I automatically check to see if a cell count has been done,
> to 
> correlate the findings.....of course 90% of them have a ZERO cell
> count, but 
> I am worried about the 10% that shows WBC's and such.
> 
> Please help!
> 
> Debra Flynn
> River Oaks Hospital
> Jackson, MS
>