Synonyms
Cell block
Definition
Cell-blocks technique is a method through which paraffin embedded blocks from cytological specimen (fine needle aspirates, cutting needle cores, body fluids and residual sediment or other cytological specimen) or from small histological specimens can be obtained/produced.
Principle
Cell block technique is a technique through which liquid cellular samples are turned into a paraffin histologic block.
Methodology
To perform a cell block from a cytologic sample, the aspirate is expelled into a tapered centrifuge tube filled with 10% formalin solution. The syringe and the needle are thoroughly rinsed with formalin to remove the remnants of the aspirate. The tube is centrifuged for 2–3 min at 2,500–3,500 rpm without braking to avoid resuspension of the aspirate. The formalin is decanted and replaced with 0–02% toluidine blue solution in isotonic saline. The tube is centrifuged again and the supernatant decanted.
Two drops of plasma are placed on the bottom of...
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References and Further Reading
Been, L., Olar, A., Powers, M. P., López-Terrada, D., & Lauririca, R. (2011). Myxoid liposarcoma: A case report of a sentinel metastasis to the parotid gland with molecular confirmation. Diagnostic Cytopathology, 39, 780–783.
Burt, A. D., Smillie, D., Cowan, M. D., & Adams, F. G. (1986). Fine needle aspiration cytology: Experience with a cell block technique. Clinical Pathology, 39, 114–115.
Chapman, C. B., & Whalen, E. J. (1947). The examination of serous fluids by the cell-block technique. The New England Journal of Medicine, 237, 215–220.
Delattre, C., Fournier, C., Bouchindhomme, B., Renaud, F., Escande, F., Ramon, P., & Copin, M. C. (2011). Endoscopic ultrasound guided transbronchial fine needle aspiration: A French Department of Pathology’s 4-year experience. Journal of Clinical Pathology, 64, 1117–1122.
Karnauchow, P. N., & Bonin, R. E. (1982). Cell-block technique for fine needle aspiration biopsy. Journal of Clinical Pathology, 35, 688.
Kumagai, A., Motoi, T., Tsuji, K., Imamura, T., & Fukusato, T. (2010). Detection of SYT and EWS gene rearrangements by dual-color break-apart CISH in liquidbased cytology samples of synovial sarcoma and Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor. American Journal Clinical Pathology, 134, 323–331.
Nathan, N. A., Narayan, E., Smith, M. M., & Horn, M. J. (2000). Cell block cytology. Improved preparation and its efficacy in diagnostic cytology. American Journal of Clinical Pathology, 114, 599–606.
Olson, N. J., Gogel, H. K., Williams, W. L., & Mettler, F. A., Jr. (1986). Processing of aspiration cytology samples. An alternative method. Acta Cytologica, 30, 409–412.
Smalley, Graham M. (Manchester, GB2), Heywood, Alan (Warrington, GB2) 1992 Cell block preparation. United States Shandon Scientific Limited (Runcorn, GB2).
Taylor, C. A., Barnhart, A., Pettenati, M. J., & Geisinger, K. R. (2005). Primary pleuropulmonary synovial sarcoma diagnosed by fine needle aspiration with cytogenetic confirmation: A case report. Acta Cytologica, 49, 673–676.
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Barroca, H. (2017). Cell Block Techniques. In: Schmitt, F. (eds) Cytopathology. Encyclopedia of Pathology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33286-4_837
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33286-4_837
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