Diagnostic utility of Plasma Thromboplastin cell block preparation in cytological evaluation of serous effusions

Background: Cell block preparations act as a useful adjunct to smear cytology for categorization of malignant and benign effusions. Plasma thromboplastin cell block technique is simple, requires less time and offers improved cytomorphological features. Aim: To study the utility of Thromboplastin-plasma cell block technique and its diagnostic significance in conjunction with conventional cytology smears in evaluation of serous effusions. Material and methods: One hundred samples were included in the study. In addition to preparation of conventional smears, fluids were subjected to cell block technique. Cell blocks were prepared using Plasma thromboplastin cell block technique. Results: Cellularity and diagnostic yield for malignancy was increased by cell block preparation. Conclusion: Plasma Thromboplastin cell block method provides high cellularity, better architectural patterns and good preservation of cellular and nuclear details, thereby, increasing diagnostic yield in the cytological evaluation of serous effusions when compared to conventional smears alone. Moreover, it is easier to apply immunomarkers and perform molecular studies on the cell blocks that can be stored indefinitely for future testing. Thus, cell blocks can act as a useful adjunct to the conventional cytosmears for evaluation of serous effusions.