Comparison of the quality of the microwave cell block method with the conventional cell block method in processing body fluid samples.

INTRODUCTION Conventional cell blocks (CCB) prepared from cytological specimens are very useful but relatively time-consuming. Suitable modifications in cell block techniques are beneficial for improving the turnaround time. We share our experience of rapid microwave cell block technique (MCB). AIM & OBJECTIVES To study the quality of routine and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of cell block sections from serous body fluids prepared by the MCB technique compared with the CCB technique. METHOD A total of 177 serous body fluid samples were processed by routine centrifugation technique, and the sediments were used for cell block preparations by both conventional and rapid microwave methods. Cellblock sections were stained with H&E stain. H&E staining quality was analyzed using three parameters (cellularity, morphology, and staining intensity). IHC for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and Calretinin were also performed, and the quality of staining evaluated on 62/177 samples. Results were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS The time taken for processing cell block by MCB was 1hr and 18 min compared to 13 hrs and 45 min by CCB. The quality of sections by both methods showed good agreement for cellularity, the intensity of staining, and moderate agreement for morphology. A 100% concordance was noted for distinguishing benign and malignant samples on morphology as well as with IHC stain results. CONCLUSION Although both techniques are comparable in terms of quality of routine and IHC staining, we recommend using the MCB technique due to its short turnaround time.