Comparison of two methods of storing breast fine needle aspirates (FNAs) using oestrogen receptor immunocytochemical assay as a method of evaluating the storage methods |
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Authors: | S. A. BURTON M. DOWSETT P. A. TROTT |
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Affiliation: | Department of Academic Biochemistry, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK;Department of Cytopathology, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK |
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Abstract: | 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. |
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Keywords: | fine needle aspirates Cytospin immunocytochemistry oestrogen receptor breast cancer storage |
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