Andrew,

If the artifact is predominantly over the nuclei, then it is probably caused
by partial air drying after xylene before coverslipping.

Are you sure its not caused by glycogen in the squames? This can
cause a brown atifact predominantley cytoplasm based.

Tony Henwood JP, BappSc, GradDipSysAnalys, CT(ASC)
Laboratory Manager
The Children's Hospital at  Westmead,
Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145, AUSTRALIA.
Tel: (02) 9845 3306
Fax: (02) 9845 3318

>>> "Burnette, Andrew - MHA" <ABurnet@chw.edu> 8/May/2001
04:20am >>>
We have a sudden appearance of "cornflaking", i.e., granular brownish
artifact obscuring cell detail in our cervical pap smears. I expect to find
some modification within the pap stainning technique that is allowing
airdrying during the staining process, but I am wondering, amongst
others
who have experienced this artifact, what other causes have been
determined.
More importantly, however, is how to get rid of the artifact once it does
appear. I've heard references to a glycerin technique - Could anyone
enlighten me to this or other techniques that work?  Thanks!

Andy Burnette
Section Head Anatomic Pathology
St. Joseph's Hospital, Phoenix AZ
(602) 406-3272






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