Romanowsky staining using liquid-based cytology: A pilot study using Cytolyt®/HESPANDER® processing solution for ThinPrep® preparations

• Published in: Diagnostic cytopathology 2015-12, Vol.43 (12), p.960-965
• Main Authors: Kinoshita, Yuichi, Yuri, Takashi, Yoshizawa, Katsuhiko, Takasu, Kosho, Emoto, Yuko, Tsubura, Airo, Shikata, Nobuaki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Nucleus - pathology; Cytodiagnosis - methods; CytoLyt/HESPANDER solution; Female; Humans; liquid-based cytology; Male; Neoplasms - pathology; pleural effusion; Romanowsky stain; Staining and Labeling - methods; urine
• ISSN: 8755-1039; 1097-0339
• DOI: 10.1002/dc.23368

Background Liquid‐based cytology (LBC) has been used to prepare and examine many types of samples. However, the use of Romanowsky stains for LBC has not yet been evaluated. Herein, we report a technique for the use of the Romanowsky May–Grünwald–Giemsa (MGG) stain using a ThinPrep® preparation technique (MGG‐LBC). Methods KPL‐1 breast cancer cells at a density of 1.25 × 105/20 ml were compared in conventional smear and MGG‐LBC preparations. Cell size, nucleus/cytoplasm (N/C) ratio, and morphological findings were investigated. Clinical samples including voided urine and pleural effusion were also examined in MGG‐LBC preparations. Results Cellularity appeared lower with MGG‐LBC compared with Papanicolaou‐stained smears using the ThinPrep® method, though the cell size and N/C ratio showed similar tendencies. Reactive mesothelial cells, normal urothelial cells, urothelial carcinoma cells, crystals, and bacteria were all clear enough for diagnostic purposes after MGG‐LBC. Conclusion Romanowsky staining is necessary for the cytodiagnosis of some conditions. MGG‐LBC may contribute to the cytodiagnostic results using LBC preparations. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:960–965. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.