Cytology fluid handling

Summary

This video tutorial demonstrates the process of handling and preparing body fluid samples for cytological examination in a lab. It covers key procedures like making direct, swab, and concentrated smears, along with techniques to concentrate particulate matter. The tutorial also explains how to use refractometers for protein analysis, identify sample turbidity and viscosity, and the importance of labeling and protecting slides. The process includes step-by-step guidance for both basic and advanced sample preparations, along with staining techniques for cytological slides.

Takeaways

• 😀 Body fluids for cytological examination are divided into two types: body cavity fluids and non-body cavity fluids.
• 😀 A nucleated cell count, red cell count, and protein measurement using a refractometer are performed for body cavity fluids.
• 😀 It's crucial to make smears as soon as possible after fluid collection to prevent cell degradation.
• 😀 Direct smear and swab smears are demonstrated using fluid samples containing particulate matter.
• 😀 A concentrated sample can be created through line preparation, which helps capture important diagnostic cells.
• 😀 A swab smear can be used to capture particulate material, such as mucus or fibrin clots, for diagnostic evaluation.
• 😀 If body cavity fluids need to be concentrated, a site has been centrifuge can be used for a more thorough examination.
• 😀 Slide labeling should be done at the bottom of the frosted edge to avoid interference with stains.
• 😀 When sending fluid samples to a reference lab, protection from environmental factors and separation from formalin containers is important.
• 😀 Color and turbidity of the fluid samples should be noted, and descriptions like 'cloudy', 'opaque', and 'yellow' are useful for diagnosis.
• 😀 A refractometer can be used to determine whether body cavity fluid is an exudate, transudate, or modified transudate by measuring protein content.

Q & A

What are the two types of body fluids discussed in the script?

The two types of body fluids are body cavity fluids and non-body cavity fluids.

Why is it important to make smears from fluid samples as soon as possible?

It is important to make smears quickly to prevent the cells from disintegrating over time.

What tools are mentioned for making smears from fluid samples?

Tools mentioned include an applicator (q-tip) for swabbing and a PCV (packed cell volume) tube for making direct smears.

How can a swab smear be prepared?

To prepare a swab smear, take an applicator, swish it around in the fluid to capture particulate material, and then smear it on a slide above the frosted edge.

What is the purpose of a line preparation when making a smear?

A line preparation is used to concentrate cells on the slide, which helps in examining the sample more effectively.

What is the recommended way to protect slides when sending them to a reference lab?

Slides should be protected from environmental elements like flies, dirt, and trauma, using plastic slide protectors and bubble wrap for added protection.

Why is labeling of slides crucial?

Labeling slides is important to identify the patient and ensure proper sample identification and traceability.

What does the script suggest for concentrating fluid samples in a clinic setting without special equipment?

The script suggests treating the fluid like urine, pouring off an aliquot, centrifuging it, and then making a smear of the sediment.

How are body cavity fluids categorized based on protein content?

Body cavity fluids can be categorized as exudates, transudates, or modified transudates, determined through protein measurement using a refractometer.

What is the significance of using EDTA tubes for fluid submission?

EDTA tubes prevent the sample from clotting, which is essential for accurate cytological analysis, especially when blood is present in the sample.