Efficacy of crystallization test in screening of potentially malignant oral disorders

Abstract

Context: Pfeiffer in 1938 observed the crystallization pattern of cupric chloride on admixture with blood of cancer patient. Most of the oral squamous cell carcinoma develops from potentially malignant disorders (PMDs). Aim: The aim of this study is to validate the efficacy of crystallization test in screening of oral PMDs. Setting and Design: The study was carried out in the Department of Oral Medicine and radiology and oral Pathology and Microbiology. Methods and Material: The study included 20 oral PMDs and 20 normal healthy participants. One drop of blood was collected and dilution of 6% hemolyzed blood was done; 0.1 to 0.2 cc of this blood sample is added to 10 cc of 20% cupric chloride solution and further is subjected to crystallization test. Statistical Analysis Used: The Chi-square test was applied and “P” value was found to be significant. This indicates that crystallization test was statistically significant for the detection of oral PMDs. Results: In this study, sensitivity 85% and specificity 90% of crystallization test in screening PMDs was observed. Among 20 PMDs, 17 were positive and 3 were negative and among 20 normal cases, 18 were negative, and 2 were positive for the crystallization test. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value was found to be 89.47% and 85.47% respectively. Conclusion: This test is simple, less invasive, economical and can be used at the community level in mass screening of high-risk individuals more prone to develop potentially malignant oral lesions.