Description
Cytology is a frequently underused tool for a variety of reasons. Lack of time, poor sample quality (diagnostic failure) and insufficient training are most often cited as a cause for cytology to be used sparingly or altogether avoided. As a technique within the vet’s diagnostic toolkit, it is actually a lot simpler than some think: by taking some straight forward precautions, using a simplified sampling approach for lumps and bumps as well as internal organs, high sample cellularity can be ensured. And for those that have the interest, valuable information can be obtained from reviewing specimens in order to quickly orient diagnosis. By incorporating sampling tips, and with a little bit of experience gained over time from examining smears regularly, the first opinion veterinarian will be able to improve technique to ensure that specimens examined or referred are of high diagnostic quality. For those that wish to examine their own specimens, they will be able to diagnose a range of lesions and become better able over time to decide when to refer a specimen to a specialist. Classification of non inflammatory and inflammatory lesions will be explored, as well as how to assess malignancy and understand the common artefacts that one can come across during a cytological examination and which can hinder a diagnosis or perplex the untrained microscopist.
Several techniques and a dozen ‘special’ tips will be provided during this presentation for vets to maximise sample quality and learn the step-wise microscopic approach to examining a specimen. Finally, several case studies will illustrate referral of cytology as well as understand the positioning of cytology within telereferral during diagnostic and therapeutic work-up.