Abstract
Objective : In order to estimate the usefulness of liquid-based cytology (LBC) for fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens of lymph nodes in patients with lymph node disorders, we compared the results of examination of ThinPrep preparations (prepared by the direct and indirect methods) and conventional preparations.
Study Design : A total 41 cases, consisting of 15 cases of reactive follicular hyperplasia, 8 cases of follicular lymphoma grade 1-2, and 18 cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were selected for this study. FNA specimens from lymph nodes were processed for preparation of conventional smears and ThinPrep smears (direct and indirect methods) for Papanicolaou staining. The ThinPrep smears (prepared by the indirect method) were also subjected to immunohistochemical (ICC) analysis and molecular analysis (duoCISH).
Results : ThinPrep smears prepared by the direct method showed many cellular aggregates, which posed difficulties in interfered with the examination, however, those prepared by the indirect method were of the same quality as that of the conventional smears. We succeeded in obtaining satisfactory results of ICC and duoCISH using ThinPrep smears prepared by the indirect method.
Conclusion : Preparation of ThinPrep smears by the indirect method is useful for accurate cytologic diagnosis of lymph node disorders.
