TESTICULAR TOUCH PREPARATION CYTOLOGY

Purpose: The applications, technique and limitations of testicular tou ch preparation cytology in evaluation of the infertile man are describ ed. Materials and Methods: The technique and histological results of t esticular touch preparation cytology for normal specimens and various pathological conditions of male infertility are described in detail. R esults: Testicular touch preparation cytology is able to differentiate between late spermatids and mature spermatozoa, as well as to identif y other spermatogenic elements. Conclusions: Touch preparation cytolog y has 2 important purposes: 1) distinguishing between maturation arres t at the late spermatid stage and normal spermatogenesis, and 2) deter mining whether obstruction is the cause of azoospermia. While testis b iopsy is the gold standard, touch preparation cytology is an extremely important adjunct because of its ability to define whole sperm. The u rologist and pathologist are better able to make a diagnosis when rout ine biopsy and touch preparation cytology are performed.