Cytocentrifuge Preparation and Specimen Contamination

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of concentrating the specimen before preparing the smear?

To force cells into a monolayer within a 6-mm diameter circle (correct)

To increase the cell count

To ensure equal distribution of cells on the slide

To reduce the amount of supernatant fluid

What is the recommended frequency for checking the speed of the cytocentrifuge?

Weekly

Monthly (correct)

Biannually

Daily

What should be done with non-disposable counting chambers after use?

Discarded and replaced with new ones

Soaked in a bactericidal solution for at least 30 minutes

Thoroughly rinsed with water and cleaned with isopropyl alcohol

Soaked in a bactericidal solution for at least 15 minutes (correct)

What is the recommended number of cells to be counted and classified in a differential count?

100 cells Signup and view all the answers

Why should sedimentation, filtration, and centrifugation be used in preparing a CSF specimen?

To ensure that the maximum number of cells are recovered from the specimen Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with contaminated diluents?

They should be discarded and replaced with new solutions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of lysing RBCs in CSF cell count preparation?

To enable accurate counting of WBCs Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended frequency for checking the Cytocentrifuge for contamination?

Biweekly Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of soaking non-disposable counting chambers in a bactericidal solution?

To prevent contamination of the counting chamber Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended dilution agent for CSF cell counts?

Normal saline Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method for counting cells in a hemocytometer?

Count the cells in the four corner squares and the center square Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using commercial controls for RBC and WBC counts?

To ensure the accuracy of the cell count Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of cytocentrifugation in CSF analysis?

To produce a more concentrated area of cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical ratio of lymphocytes to monocytes in adults in a CSF specimen?

70:30 Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a high CSF WBC count with a majority of neutrophils?

Bacterial infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of staining the CSF specimen with Wright's stain?

To enhance cell morphology Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not performing the differential count on a stained smear?

Inaccurate cell identification Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of cytoplasmic vacuoles in CSF cells after cytocentrifugation?

May contain phagocytized bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sample Preparation and Cytocentrifugation

Concentrating the specimen before preparing a smear enhances the detection of rare cells and improves overall accuracy.
Cytocentrifuge speed should be checked weekly to ensure consistent and reliable results.

Equipment Maintenance

Non-disposable counting chambers should be cleaned and sterilized after use to prevent cross-contamination.
Contaminated diluents must be disposed of according to hazardous waste procedures to avoid potential infections or contamination.

Cell Counting and Analysis

In a differential count, a minimum of 100 cells should be counted and classified for accurate representation.
Sedimentation, filtration, and centrifugation are essential in CSF specimen preparation to separate cellular components from debris, facilitating clear analysis.

RBC Lysis and Cell Count Preparation

Lysing RBCs in CSF cell count preparation helps isolate and quantify white blood cells accurately, avoiding interference from red blood cells.
Frequency for checking the Cytocentrifuge for contamination should be performed weekly to maintain instrument hygiene and reliability.

Cleaning and Staining Protocols

Non-disposable counting chambers should soak in a bactericidal solution to eliminate any residual pathogens and maintain sterility.
The recommended dilution agent for CSF cell counts is isotonic saline, ensuring cell viability during analysis.

Counting Methodology

The hemocytometer should be used by counting cells in designated squares to ensure a standardized approach in determining cell concentration.
Commercial controls for RBC and WBC counts are utilized to validate the accuracy and precision of laboratory results.

Cytocentrifugation and CSF Analysis

The primary purpose of cytocentrifugation in CSF analysis is to concentrate cells, allowing for better visual assessment and easier differential counts.
Typical adult CSF specimens show a lymphocyte to monocyte ratio of approximately 2:1, indicating normal immune functionality.

Clinical Significance and Staining

A high CSF WBC count predominantly comprising neutrophils suggests a bacterial infection, reflecting an inflammatory response.
Staining the CSF specimen with Wright's stain aids in the visualization of cell morphology, enhancing diagnostic capabilities.

Differential Count Importance

Not performing the differential count on a stained smear can lead to misinterpretation of cell types, impacting diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Cytoplasmic vacuoles in CSF cells are significant markers of cellular injury or metabolic disturbances, indicating a potential underlying pathology.

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Description

Learn about the preparation and contamination of specimens in a cytocentrifuge. Discover the importance of checking diluents biweekly and concentrating specimens to prevent contamination. This quiz covers the proper procedures for preparing smears and filtration.