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Comparison of two methods of storing breast fine needle aspirates (FNAs) using oestrogen receptor immunocytochemical assay as a method of evaluating the storage methods
Author(s) -
BURTON S. A.,
DOWSETT M.,
TROTT P. A.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
cytopathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.512
H-Index - 48
eISSN - 1365-2303
pISSN - 0956-5507
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2303.1994.tb00443.x
Subject(s) - staining , oestrogen receptor , medicine , pathology , immunocytochemistry , suspension culture , breast cancer , biology , cell culture , cancer , genetics
Two methods of storing fine needle aspirates were compared in 14 patients with breast cancer. the methods of storage were: (1) as a Cytospin slide prepared immediately from the aspirated material and stored at −80°C; (2) as a suspension of cells in tissue culture medium, stored at −80°C. the effect of storage on the cells was assessed by means of an oestrogen receptor immunocytochemical assay (ER‐ICA). an ER positivity of 100% was obtained by ER‐ICA staining of cells after storage method 1, whilst all of the specimens stored by method 2 were ER‐negative. the data demonstrate that cells stored in tissue culture medium at −80°C are not suitable for ER measurement. the storage method of choice for specimens intended for ERICA is as a Cytospin slide. the ER status of cells deposited on Cytospin slides prepared immediately and stored at −80°C for 2 years could be demonstrated despite the delay in processing the specimen.