Use of cell block preparation for improving adequacy of cytology smears

Abstract

Sir, We read the article “Role of rapid on-site evaluation with cyto-histopathological correlation in diagnosis of lung lesion” by Chandra et al.[1] with interest and appreciate highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary approach with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). The authors have aptly described the advantages and limitations of cytology in diagnosing lung lesions. In this study, the on-site evaluation was done by cytopathologists after staining the smears with toluidine blue. Although there are a few similar studies available that have used Diff-Quick, ultrafast Papanicolaou, and brilliant cresyl blue stains,[2] one study by Hemalatha et al.[3] went one step further and tried to evaluate the adequacy on unstained smears. They performed microscopic examination under reduced illumination with low condenser. The authors concluded that this technique offers specific advantage in being rapid and avoiding the inordinate delay that is associated with assessing the sample adequacy after using cytological staining techniques.