[Histonet] cytospin prep

Fri Nov 3 11:15:45 CDT 2017

The PreservCyt solution is absolutely the culprit.  The methanol and ethanol in that solution causes the cells to shrink and round up, thus creating your issues of them falling off during your staining protocol.  The PreservCyt does a great job when utilized on the ThinPrep processor but not for your Cytospin application.  The Cytospin fluid is probably cheaper than your PreservCyt too.  I think if you switch to using the Cytospin fluid, you will see the end of your problems.  The Cytospin fluid contains carbowax which aides in adhering the cells to the slide.  Once your slides are made, allow them to completely air dry.  Then you will want to soak them for at least 10 minutes in 95% ETOH to remove the carbowax layer prior to your Pap stain.  You may need to increase this soak time to 15 minutes if you live in humid areas.

Let me know if you need additional information,

Joe W. Walker, Jr. MS, SCT(ASCP) 
Anatomical Pathology Manager
Rutland Regional Medical Center
160 Allen Street, Rutland, VT 05701
P 802.747.1790  F 802.747.6525
joewalker at rrmc.org, www.rrmc.org
Our Vision:
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Our Commitment to our Community: We Listen, We Respect, We Care . . . Always.
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-----Original Message-----
From: Nina J. Rich [mailto:NRich at bmhsc.org] 
Sent: Friday, November 03, 2017 11:37 AM
To: Joe W. Walker, Jr. <jwwalker at rrmc.org>; histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: cytospin prep

Hey Joe,

All the specimens come to the lab fresh.  Instead of the Cytospin collection fluid we have been using thin prep preservcyt solution to resuspend, which is mostly methyl alcohol.  Do you think that would have some influence to the washing problem.  We are staining with the PAP stain.  Thanks for your input let me know if you have anymore suggestions.  Nina ________________________________________
From: Joe W. Walker, Jr. <jwwalker at rrmc.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2017 12:03 PM
To: Nina J. Rich; histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: cytospin prep

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Hi Nina,

How are the cytology specimens collected?  This will play a role in how you process them for evaluation on the Cytospin machine.  We do not utilize the mega funnels.  However, cytology specimens should be centrifuge first to remove any supernatant.  Then equal parts of the Cytospin collection fluid should be added to the cell button and the cell button should be resuspended.  Once resuspended, the amount of specimen that you put into the mega funnel chamber will vary depending on the cellularity of the cytology specimen.  Large cell buttons might require less while small buttons will require more.  If you over load the chamber, you will experience the cell spot/square falling off the slide when staining.  This assumes that you are Pap staining your slides, hence the use of the Cytospin collection fluid.  If you are making airdried specimens for Romanowsky stains, if you over load the chamber, you will have the same result of the spot falling of the slide.  The manufacturer should provide max volume limits for the mega funnels but again a very cellular specimen will create issues.  This has been our experience with cytospins.

Joe W. Walker, Jr. MS, SCT(ASCP)
Anatomical Pathology Manager
Rutland Regional Medical Center
160 Allen Street, Rutland, VT 05701
P 802.747.1790  F 802.747.6525
joewalker at rrmc.org, www.rrmc.org
Our Vision:
To be the Best Community Healthcare System in New England Our Commitment to our Community: We Listen, We Respect, We Care . . . Always.
Joint Commission Accredited | Best Regional Hospital: U.S. News & World Report | Leapfrog Hospital Safety A Rating ANCC Magnet Hospital Designation(r) | Healthgrades: Excellence Award for Patient Safety | Healthgrades: Outstanding Patient Experience Award

-----Original Message-----
From: Nina J. Rich via Histonet [mailto:histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 11:38 AM
To: histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] cytospin prep

Good morning,

For all those that have to do cytology cytospins.  We are using the cytospin 4 with the large square mega funnels.  We have a problem with the specimen always washing off the slide.  Is there anyone who can send me their processing procedure for this type of funnel, to include whether or not you centrifuge the specimen first. The small circular funnels do not wash.  Any input would greatly be appreciated.  Jean

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