BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE - COMPARISON OF NUCLEOPORE FILTERS AND DIRECT SMEAR PREPARATIONS

To determine whether cytopreparation affects the diagnostic yield of b ronchoalveolar lavage specimens, we compared 50 lavage samples by usin g two methods. One nucleopore filter preparation and four direct slide s were prepared on each sample submitted. All slides were stained by t he Papanicolaou method. Assessment of cellularity, cellular preservati on, and an independent diagnosis were rendered on each sample for both preparatory methods. Statistical analysis showed no difference in cel lularity between the two methods (P = .06). the degree of nuclear and cytoplasmic preservation was higher using the direct method, although this did not appear to affect diagnosis in this study. One major discr epancy in diagnosis was observed between the two methods. By prospecti vely comparing nucleopore filter and direct preparation of bronchoalve olar lavages, we found that there was minimal affect on either cellula rity or diagnosis. We conclude that either method delivers reliable cy tologic results. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.