A STUDY OF BODY CAVITY EFFUSIONS AND ITS DIAGNOSTIC UTILITY OF CELL BLOCK AS AN ADJUNCT TO CONVENTIONAL CYTOLOGICAL SMEARS

Abstract

Background: The cell block technique is one of the oldest method for evaluation of body cavity fluids and it increases the sensitivity of the diagnosis in comparison to conventional smear study. The main advantage of cell block technique is preservation of tissue architecture and obtaining multiple sections for special stains. Aim: To assess the utility of cell block method in increasing the sensitivity of cytological diagnosis of body cavity effusions as an adjunct to conventional smear method. Material and methods: It was institution based cross sectional observational study. All patients presenting with effusion and those who was give consent for participating in the study was included in this study. The study was conducted in Dept. Of Pathology, Nandigram Superspeciality Hospital. 100 cases fulfilling the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria was taken during the study period. Result: Association of Cellularity vs cell block was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Association of Architectural Pattern vs cell block was not statistically significant (p=0.7883). Association of cytological smears vs cell block was statistically significant (p=<0.0001). Conclusion: Cell block technique is superior to conventional smear technique, especially for malignant effusions.