Collection technique and sample processing for impression cytology of the ocular surface

Freitas, Kátia Amaral; Mendonça, Paula

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/16385

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Authors

Freitas, Kátia Amaral

Mendonça, Paula

Abstract(s)

Introduction: The impression cytology of ocular surface is a minimally invasive technique that allows the analysis of conjunctival and corneal cells, as an alternative to smears and punch biopsies. These specific guidelines will help health professionals, such as nurses and doctors, to ensure better samples of ocular surface without hurting patients, and will provide a new method of fixation for impression cytology of ocular specimens. Objective: The aim of this study was to present a technique for collecting, fixing, and staining for impression cytology of ocular specimens. Materials and Methods: 50 samples of bulbar conjunctiva taken from 50 ESTeSL volunteers were analyzed. The material was collected on a strip of cellulose acetate from Millipore Corporation, then fixed on SureThin and stained with a Papanicolaou stain. The slides were analyzed by three independent evaluators, using an evaluation grid with the following parameters: cell size, detail and nuclear membrane, detail and cytoplasmic membrane, ratio N / C, and tinctorial affinity. Results: The filter paper with apex helped to correctly position the paper in the eye and the procedure that was applied allowed an effective collection of cells with 50-70% of the filter surface being filled without the need for topical anesthesia. The SureThin fixative presented quality in cell preservation, in addition to being more economical. The Papanicolaou technique proved to be ideal in the coloring of ocular epithelial cells. This developed methodology presented a response of 80, 9% to a maximum score of 2. Conclusions: The presented method proved to be very effective in evaluating ocular cell samples, while simultaneously proving to be a very cheap and comfortable technique for the patient.