Liquid based cytology is a method to collect and prepare cervical cell samples for microscopic examination. The sample is collected from the cervix using a spatula or broom and transferred to a preservative solution. The cells are then dispersed in the fluid and either centrifuged or filtered onto a slide to form a thin monolayer for staining and examination under a microscope. The two most widely used liquid based cytology systems are Sure Path and Thin Prep. Liquid based cytology offers advantages like immediate cell fixation, evaluation of all collected material, and preparation of representative samples, but it can alter smear patterns and dispersion of abnormal cells.

1. LIQUID BASED CYTOLOGY Abdul Quddus BS (MLT)
FMH college of medicine

2. LIQUID BASED CYTOLOGY
• A sample of cells is collected from the cervix in the normal way
using a spatula or broom sampling device
• The sample is transferred into a container of preservative/
transport medium
• The cell are dispersed in the fluid
• An aliquot of the suspension is selected for processing
• The cells are separated by centrifugation or filtration and deposited
on a slide as a thin layer / monolayer by sedimentation or the
application of pressure
• The slides are stained , mounted ready for microscopy

3. LIQUID BASED CYTOLOGY
There are several systems that are currently available. The most
widely used are:
 Sure Path (autocyte, TriPath Imaging)
 Thin Prep (CYTYC)

12. ADVANTAGES OF LBC
Immediate fixation with enhanced nuclear and cytoplasmic detail
All material collected is available for microscopic evaluation
A representative sample is prepared for cytological evaluation but multiple
samples can be prepared as necessary
Clearer background so that epithelial cells of interest are less likely to be
obscured
A thin layer of dispersed cells are spread over a fixed area so that the area
to be screened is small and the preparation takes less time to screen than a
conventional smear
Unsatisfactory rate decreased
LBC samples is suitable for other tests e.g. HPV testing
LBC slides are suitable for automated analysis

13. DISADVANTAGES OF LBC
Smear patterns altered because of randomization of cells
Abnormal cells are dispersed
Scanty LBC preparations can be difficult to screen and interpret
Blood mucous inflammation and malignant diathesis are still present
but appear slightly different
Epithelial cells appear mostly as single cells and are slightly smaller
than they appear in conventional smears especially endocervical cells
and immature metaplastic cells.
LBC is more expensive than conventional test

14. THANK YOU