NON-GYNECOLOGIC SAMPLE PREPARATION
1.32
ThinPrep 2000 Processor Operator’s Manual
Common Artifacts
Smudged Nuclear Detail
The chromatin detail of nuclei can appear smudged if saline, PBS, or RPMI are used as the collection
fluids. To avoid this problem, collect the sample either fresh, in CytoLyt Solution, or in a balanced
electrolyte solution. Refer to Section E-1 of this chapter for more detail on collection fluids.
Halo Artifact
In some cases of dense specimens, only the outer edge of cellular material may transfer to the Thin-
Prep slide forming a “halo” or ring of cellular material on the slide. If the slide is not satisfactory, a
second slide may be produced following the sample preparation troubleshooting procedures on the
previous page.
Compression Artifact
Some samples may display what appears to be “air-dry” artifact on the perimeter of the cell spot.
This artifact is not air-drying but rather it is due to the compression of cells between the edge of the
filter and the glass slide.
Staining Artifact
Some samples may display a staining artifact which mimics air-drying in appearance. This artifact
appears as a red or orange central staining primarily in cell clusters or groups. This artifact is due to
incomplete rinsing of the counterstains. Fresh alcohol baths or an additional rinse step after the cyto-
plasmic stains is required to eliminate this artifact.
Edge of the Cylinder Artifact
Some samples may display a narrow rim of cellular material just beyond the circumference of the cell
spot. This artifact is a result of cells from the outer edge of the wet filter cylinder being transferred to
the glass slide. This may be more evident on highly cellular samples because there will be more cells
to be transferred in the liquid.
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