Use of formalin-alcohol method of cell block preparation in examination of body fluids - An original study

Abstract

Cell block preparation (paraffin embedding of fluid sediments), is a widely practiced technique. It maintains intact architecture of the tissue and reduces diagnostic errors. Numerous techniques have been followed over the years, but the need for an optimal technique for routine use in laboratory still persists. We propose an alternate, comparatively rapid technique which will not only enable clear visualization of the architectural patterns with maximum preservation of cell morphology, but is also cost effective and easy to perform.: We prepared the cell blocks of 20 body fluid samples received in our laboratory. Only fluids with adequate cellularity were included in the study. Each fluid was subjected to two methods, Plasma-Thrombin Method and Formalin-Alcohol Method. The pellets were processed, stained with routine hematoxylin-eosin stain, and additional stains when required, and microscopy was carried out. Slides prepared from cell blocks were examined for types of pathology- inflammatory, benign, or malignant, cellular architecture, nucleo-cytoplasmic details, and artifacts. We observed that these features were comparable in both methods. However, the formalin-alcohol method proved superior in terms of cost effectiveness, ease of performance and simplicity of method, as reagents needed were readily available in the laboratory. Formalin-Alcohol technique of cell block preparation has proven to be a useful and resourceful method on a routine basis, due to its optimal cellular morphological appearance, cost effectiveness and ease of preparation in the laboratory.