Histotalks: Nsh Podcasts

P08-Diagnostic Cytopathology Cell Block Preparation Methods- Anna Patterson FIBMS MSc CSci Diagnostic Cytology Scheme Coordinator Helen Naylor MSc Diagnostic Cytology Technical Specialist Cell blocks from Cytopathology samples have always had value in the diagnostic process as a complement to the traditional Cytopathology stains – Papanicolaou and Romanowsky.  This has become more important to provide material for Immunocytochemistry to refine malignant diagnosis, and more recently, for the use of molecular testing to aid in the choice of tailored chemotherapy regimens.  If this information can be obtained from Cytopathology samples, which are less invasive than biopsy samples, the patient will benefit. A variety of preparation methods are available for the preparation of cell blocks from cells from Diagnostic Cytopathology samples.  The most popular methods will be discussed and how they can be used to optimise the quality of cell preservation if used correctly. Information garnered from the results of th