LabQ Histology Exercise 2: Cell Block Preparation in Cytopathology: Alternatives for the Molecular Age

SADIA SAYEED MD

MARY ELLEN CLARK CT (ASCP)

Department of Pathology

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Richmond, Virginia

Primary Audience: Phlebotomists, Laboratory Technologists, Laboratory Directors

Secondary Audience: Pathologists, Clinical Scientists (Includes all sub-specialty areas), Students, Pathologist Assistants, Residents, and Students

Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:

·         compare and contrast commonly used cell block preparations in exfoliative and non-exfoliative samples;

·         describe the evolving role of molecular biomarker testing as it pertains to cytology specimens; 

·         identify potential sources of contamination in cell blocks prepared with plasma thrombin; and

·         determine best practices for cell block preparation as molecular biomarker testing becomes increasingly routine.