Cell tube block: a new technique to produce cell blocks from fluid cytology samples

Abstract

The CTB method was easily implementable under practice conditions (up to the fixation of the microhemtocrit tube), analogous to surgical biopsy submission for histology. Cell tube blocks can increase diagnostic accuracy when the technique is used in tandem after the cytologic evaluation, and the technique allows storage of fluids. Other advantages of CTB were the simplicity, low cost, and separation of erythrocytes from the nucleated cells, which was helpful in hemodiluted samples.

Unraveling avian and reptilian hematology: An optical and electron microscopic study of the buffy coat

“…In this study, we applied the CTB technique for the first time to study the distribution of cells in the buffy coat of birds and reptiles, and to document pathological conditions, such as hemoparasite infection and IBD (showing that inclusions could be detected). Techniques used to study blood cells in optical and electron microscopy have been described in mammals and prove useful in diagnosing and characterizing the pathologic conditions of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, leukemic dissemination of multiple myeloma, and hemoparasites in the dog . However, it was unknown if such techniques could be applied to animals with nucleated erythrocytes.…”

“…Histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures could be easily applied to CTBs. Therefore, we propose that the CTB technique should be used in pathologic cases, such as in the diagnosis of leukemic dissemination or when atypical cells are present in the blood smear . As to electron microscopy processing, we used a protocol similar to that published for dogs and cats, but simpler than that previously reported for reptiles, such as the Bobtail lizard or Yellow‐Bellied Slider Turtle .…”

“…The centrifugation time and speed used in bird and reptile samples were similar to that of mammalian blood, as recommended in the literature . Tubes were broken at the plasma‐buffy coat interface using a diamond‐pen, and the remaining portion of the capillary tubes (containing the buffy coat) were immersed in either 10% formalin for 24 hours for optical microscopy, or 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M sodium cacodylate buffer (pH 7.2) for 2 hours for electron microscopy, as detailed elsewhere …”

“…The tubes were routinely processed in an automated tissue processor (Leica TP1020, Nussloch, Germany) to obtain the CTBs . Paraffin‐embedded CTBs were sectioned (3 μm) and routinely stained with H&E. Histochemical (Sirius red) and immunohistochemical (antibodies against CD3) procedures were evaluated.…”

Cytology and the cell block method in diagnostic characterization of canine lymphadenopathy and in the immunophenotyping of nodal lymphoma

“…Proposed advantages of the CB as documented in human studies include: (a) the preservation of tissue architecture, (b) sample archivability owing to paraffin embedding, (c) the suitability of samples for cytochemical and immunohistochemical staining, (d) a reduced need for excisional biopsy and (e) advantages in the detection of certain malignancies, including lymphoma . Limited studies on the CB or CB‐like techniques in veterinary medicine have demonstrated its utility in the evaluation of lymphoid tissues and in the detection of fungal osteomyelitis, leishmaniasis, mesothelioma and bone marrow carcinoma micrometastasis . While all veterinary publications describing the CB testify to its ease of use, only one has evaluated its utility in the evaluation of the canine reactive and lymphomatous lymph node and in the diagnosis of lymphoma.…”