Cell block preparation
Cell block is a mini formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsy obtained from fine-needle aspirate or fluid sediment.
Preservation of cytologic material in the cell block for IHC and molecular studies adds to its diagnostic accuracy[18] and enables long-term archiving for future analyses..
Cell block method allows the recovery and processing of minute amounts of cellular material, facilitating better classification of tumor when reviewed along with cytological smears, the ability to obtain many sections for immunostains and other studies to be performed akin to paraffin sections produced in .
One of the constraints of the conventional fine needle aspiration (FNA) smear is the limited material available for adjuvant diagnostic investigations.
The use of the cell block technique enables the retrieval of small tissue fragments in a fluid specimen which are processed to form a paraffin block.
Cell block cytology is a technique used in cytopathology (in addition to smears) for evaluation of tissue from fine needle aspirations (FNA) or fluid aspirations.
Multiple different protocols exist for processing a cell block, but the fundamental principles are the same:.
Cell block preparation, as opposed to tissue processing in surgical pathology, is more variable with many different protocols in use today.
This review explores the most commonly used cell block preparation techniques currently in use with review of the unique advantages and limitations each method presents.
