Diatoms and rotifers in cytological smears

Abstract

We describe several uncommon contaminants presumably derived from the tap water used in the staining procedure of cytological specimens. We would like to draw attention to the occasional presence of diatoms and fragments of rotifers in cytological specimens. Whilst most of these entities are harmless curiosities, they may cause concern as to their nature and significance.

Pseudofungal tap water contaminants in sputum cytology

“…Because of its source in lakes and reservoirs, and under certain climatic circumstances (high temperatures and low rainfall), fresh water may suffer a phenomenon termed “Eutrophication” where, due to an overproduction of nutrients, an excessive growth of different microorganisms occurs. So, running tap water may be affected by a biological contamination and, occasionally, some types of microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, protozoa, worms, and arthropods may appear as contaminants in the cytological smears …”

“…So, running tap water may be affected by a biological contamination and, occasionally, some types of microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, protozoa, worms, and arthropods may appear as contaminants in the cytological smears. [1][2][3] Herein, different examples of contamination by four species of algae that were observed in sputum smears stained by the Papanicolaou method are shown. Due to their filamentous appearance, initially they were misinterpreted as uncommon fungal structures.…”

A worm in the cytology laboratory: A root cause analysis case study

“…Several other microorganisms and arthropod parts detected on gynecologic and anal pap smears have been reported in literature . Some of them are pathogenic in nature such as Aspergillus species, raising the question of whether this is contamination due to the use of unsterilized spatulas during gynecological examination, or true infection that needs to be addressed clinically .…”

Worm‐like artifacts in exfoliative cytology

“…Similarly, a specific type of aquatic worms, rotifers, has been identified as a cytological smear contaminant, 11 as has the presence of uncommon structures with morphological features similar to those of certain helminth eggs. 12 Furthermore, certain types of fibers 13 and classes of algae 14 should also be taken into account in establishing a differential diagnosis.…”