CYTOPATHOLOGIC TOUCH PREPARATIONS (IMPRINTS) FROM CORE NEEDLE BIOPSIES - ACCURACY COMPARED WITH THAT OF FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATES

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the touch preparation (imprint) cytology method for obtaining rapid interpretations from co re material obtained during abdominal percutaneous biopsy. SUBJECTS AN D METHODS. For 28 patients undergoing biopsy of abdominal masses, pair ed slides were prepared for rapid staining by use of smears of standar d fine-needle aspirates and by use of a touch preparation of the core material obtained with a semiautomated biopsy gun. The slides were sco red in comparison with the final cytopathologic and histopathologic di agnosis. RESULTS. Touch preparation slides were equivalent in diagnost ic yield to fine needle aspirate smears, demonstrating similar cellula r features. Touch preparation slides revealed features of tumor archit ecture not present on smears. CONCLUSION. Touch preparation cytology o ffers rapid diagnosis from a single core biopsy sample. Carefully perf ormed, the touch preparation method preserves the core material for su bsequent permanent fixation and sectioning.