DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2021.v09i01.011

Pages: 60-64

Aim: To assess the efficacy of cell block versus smear examination in effusion. To assess the utility of the cell block preparation method in increasing the sensitivity of cytodiagnosis of effusions & to evaluate the primary site malignant effusions wherever needed with the help of immunohistochemistry. Materials & Methods: A total of 120 fluid samples were subjected to evaluation by both Smear examination and Cell Block methods over a period of 2 years. Cellularity, architecture patterns, morphological features and yield for malignancy were compared, using the two methods. Results: Out of 120 cases, 12 cases were found be malignant effusions. Among 120 cases 95 pleural,18 peritoneal,7 pericardial effusions. Cell Block method provided higher cellularity, better architectural patterns and additional yield for malignancy as compared to Smear examination method. Using a combination of the cell block & smear technique yielded 3 more malignant cases than what were detected using smears by themselves. Conclusion: Cell block technique provides high cellularity, better architectural pattern, morphological features & an additional yield of malignant cells &thereby increasing the sensitivity of the cytodiagnosis when compared with cytosmear technique.it is advisable to routinely make Cell Blocks before discarding specimens that are suspicious for malignancy by smear examination.