POTENTIAL OF THE IN-SITU POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION IN DIAGNOSTIC CYTOLOGY

Routine examination of cytologic material by light microscopy in our l aboratory includes special stains and enzyme histochemistry, but molec ular biology techniques are not generally employed. We examined the fe asibility of utilizing the in situ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for examination of archival cytologic specimens. Protocols were shortened in an effort to employ a technique that would be economical and have diagnostic relevance; a result would he obtained within two days of a request. Cases of transitional cell carcinoma were examined for the p5 3 tumor suppressor oncogene; preparation of direct incorporation PCR r equired eight hours of laboratory work, thermal cycling was performed overnight, and product visualization required three hours of laborator y work the following day. Amplification products were found in the cyt oplasm and nuclear regions with an antidigoxigenin fluorescent and per oxidase probe. In situ PCR has enormous potential in the diagnostic cy tology laboratory.