>----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>Date: 4 Oct 1998 19:31:28 -0500
>From: Diana Goodwin <slipper@net-gate.com>
>Subject: Cytology trends
>
>Hello again, Histonet!
>
>I need to compile some data regarding the current trends for preparing
>non-GYN cytology specimens.  Are there any cytotechs out there?  Or,
>does anyone know of a Cytotechnology listserver or newsgroup?
>
>If anyone here in Histo-Land cares to respond, I would like to know what
>types of preparations you are doing for your non-G cases; eg:  how many
>smears, cytospins, mono-layers, etc, per case.  Also, do you prepare
>different types of slides for different specimens? eg: spinal fluids vs.
>pleural fluids vs. urines, etc.
>
>- --
>Diana Goodwin, HT
>Trenton, NJ
>
>
>
>
>----------------------------------------------------------------------

Diana

Yes, there are a few of us cytologists (or to be more correct,
cytohistologists) out here.

Currently we use three methods of non gynae preparation methods, squash,
cytospin and "blood film". Squash is good for sputa and brain. Cytospin
is good for urines, CSFs, watery fluids and immunocytochemistry. "Blood
films" work for most others. Our FNAs tend to come prepared from remote
clinics.

Generally we make two slides for most preps, and stain one with
Papanicolaou the other with MGG, although we insist on four slides on
breast FNAs (two of each stain). We also make extra slides from serous
fluids in case we need to do histochemical stains, PAS, DPAS, AB/PAS.

We hang on to the specimens (when we have them) in case we need to make
more preps.

I hope this helps.

Regards
--
Hedley David Glencross