CYTOLOGY

Cytology studies the structure of cells in living organisms. Accordingly, cytological analysis is an assessment of the morphological state, structure and functions of cells. The study plays the greatest role in the diagnosis of new growths, allowing to determine their benign or malignant nature. The analysis also reveals inflammatory processes and the development of infections.

WHEN CYTOLOGICAL TESTS ARE PRESCRIBED?

Cytological tests are prescribed by doctors of various specialties: otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, gynecologists, urologists and others.

They are carried out in order to:

• detect oncological diseases in the early stages prior to the onset of symptoms;
• determine the nature of the neoplasm - benign, malignant;
• diagnose various inflammatory, bacterial, viral and fungal infections;
• assess the dynamics of the disease;
• control the effectiveness of treatment;
• monitor curability and prevention of relapse.

WHAT kind of BIOMATERIAL IS TAKEN FOR CYTOLOGY?

During cytological analysis, samples of cells of biological fluids, tissues and organs are examined. In most cases, the material is collected in a non-invasive and painless manner, but sometimes a puncture is required.

Samples of materials and sampling methods:

• urine, sputum, discharge from the mammary glands and other biological fluids – as a rule, patients collect the samples by themselves in special containers;
• tissue cells from ulcers, erosions, wounds, mucous organs (throat, cervix, etc.) – the doctor makes a scraping;
• cells of internal organs, tumors and fluids – to take a sample, a puncture of the tumor, joint, spinal cord, etc.is performed;
• tissues from the surgical sites – an imprint of cells is made, which is also given for histology.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR CYTOLOGICAL ANALYSIS?

The sampling is carried out in different ways. Accordingly, the process of preparation differs as well. For example, when examining sputum, it is not required at all. When taking a smear from the mouth and nasopharynx, it is recommended not to eat, drink or smoke for 3 hours before the procedure. And in case of the analysis of urogenital secretions, it is recommended not to use hygiene products on the day of taking the sample. How to properly prepare for the study, the doctor tells you before it is carried out.

WHAT DOES CYTOLOGICAL test DETECT?

The study reveals:

• some inflammatory diseases;
• bacterial, viral diseases;
• oncological diseases (atypical cell changes);
• fetal maturity (amniotic fluid analysis is performed);
• congestive heart failure, heart attack and other diseases.

Most often, cytological studies are used to determine the nature of new growths and identify atypical cells.

HOW CYTOLOGICAL test IS CARRIED OUT?

Cytological examination is carried out by laboratory doctors. The tests are performed by slightly different methods, depending on the type of sample and the size of the cells. The most common is a light and electron microscope study. It provides a thousand times magnification, makes it possible to assess the state of the cells and determine whether they meet the norm.

The centrifugation method is also used. The sample is placed in a centrifuge, during the rotation of which the cell organelles settle to the bottom, and the fractions are separated into individual components. This is how cytochemical studies are carried out, for example, the PAP test.

Culturing is also used. The cells are placed in a special environment where they grow. This method helps to identify infectious diseases.

In addition, there are microsurgical, X-ray diffraction and some other methods, but they are not used so often.

ADVANTAGES OF LABORATORY DIAGNOSTICS AT «OXFORD MEDICAL»

«Oxford Medical» has an in-house research laboratory equipped with new diagnostic technologies of leading world brands. They help to carry out cytological studies, the sensitivity and specificity of which reaches 94 and 99%, respectively. The first indicates the possibility of the analysis not to show a false negative result, and the second – a false positive. Today, cytological studies are considered to be the most reliable.

We send some complex tests to other laboratories so that our patients always receive top-level care.

You can make an appointment for tests at «Oxford Medical» by calling our contact center or writing to the chat.