Cell sampling and preparation methods
Respiratory cytomorphology is heavily dependent on specimen type and preparation. Cell sampling and preparation methods are crucial for a correct cytologic interpretation. In the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules, bronchoscopic methods are usually the first approach for central lesions; if negative, fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology can be performed. FNA cytology is particularly useful for peripheral […]
Sputum
Sputum consists of a mixture of cellular and non-cellular elements cleared by mucociliar apparatus. It is easy to obtain and cause little or no patient discomfort, but its use is declining because of the advent of bronchoscopy and fine needle aspiration. The sensitivity of sputum cytology for the diagnosis of malignancy increases with the number […]
Bronchial material
Bronchial material A great improvement in sampling cells from the lower respiratory tract occurred with the development of the flexible bronchoscope in the late 1960s. The complications of bronchoscopy, including laryngospasm, bronchospasm, disturbances of cardiac conduction and sepsis, are very rare. Bronchoscopic methods are particularly good for diagnosing central lesions, on which a biopsy and […]