Use of formaldehyde to increase result quality in urinary cytology

Abstract

Cytology is often used in screening programs for individuals at high risk of certain diseases, such as urothelial (bladder) tumors and prostate cancer. High-risk individuals may include those with a family history of cancer or other risk factors. While cytology is less commonly used for prostate cancer screening compared to other methods like prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, it can still be employed in certain cases to detect abnormal prostate cells. Specimen collection, often through urine or brushing of specific surfaces, doesn’t typically require special preparation or invasive procedures, reducing the need for prolonged hospitalization. Our study aimed to optimize the long-term preservation of urine samples for cytopathological diagnosis by using 10% formaldehyde, ensuring high-quality smear preparation, and assessing the effectiveness of Papanicolaou staining. These objectives are essential for advancing the field of cytopathology and improving the accuracy of diagnostic procedures.