CONTRIBUTION OF IMMUNOCYTOCHEMISTRY IN ROUTINE DIAGNOSTIC CYTOLOGY

The authors report the experience of applying immunocytochemistry in r outine cytological examination and its contribution for diagnosis duri ng a period of 3 yr in Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan. From August 1991 to July 1994, the cytology laboratory received 5,762 non-g ynecologic specimens with urine excluded. Immunocytochemistry was perf ormed selectively in problematic cases. A total of 215 stainings inclu ding 124 epithelial markers, 50 lymphoma/leukemia markers, 22 neurogli al and choroid plexus markers, seven mesenchymal markers, six melanoma markers, and six others was performed on 145 specimens consisting of 89 effusions, 28 fine-needle aspirations, 11 cerebrospinal fluids, and 17 other specimens. Effusions were by far the most frequent specimens for immunocytochemistry and the epithelial markers were the most freq uently used antibodies. The immunocytochemical results were essential in 41 specimens (28%), confirmatory in 37 (26%), and non-contributory in 67 (46%). Essential and confirmatory results occurred in 49% of eff usions (44/89), 71% of fine-needle aspirations (20/28), 55% of cerebro spinal fluids (6/11), and 47% of other specimens (8/17). It is conclud ed that immunocytochemistry is proved to be a good aid for the final d iagnosis of daily cytologic practices in which the fine-needle aspirat ion specimens are benefitted best. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.