O‐7 Pilot study for LBC preparation (Cytyc thinprep®) of bone marrow aspirates

Abstract

Liquid based cytology (LBC) preparations are replacing many of the traditional methods used to examine non‐gynaecological cytology specimens. However, bone marrow aspirates which historically proceeded almost all non‐gynaecological cytology samples remain examined by direct air dried smears. This pilot study examined bone marrow aspirates using LBC. Material from 50 bone marrow aspirates from patients with lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukaemia, metastatic carcinoma, myelodysplasia and other causes of anaemia were examined using ThinPrep® and the results were compared to direct smears. All cases had trephine biopsy performed during the same visit. We established a protocol for bone marrow ThinPrep® preparation as follows: 20 drops of bone marrow aspirate centrifuged in 30 ml CytoLyt® for 10 minutes at 2000 rpm; cell pellet re‐suspended, then washed with CytoLyt®/ GAA mix; following further centrifugation, cell pellet transferred to PreservCyt® solution. Slides were prepared on a ThinPrep® 2000 Processor and stained with various stains. The slides were superior preparations for examination and assessment of pathological abnormality. All haemopoetic cell lines were represented and elimination of RBCs allowed quicker and easier assessment of bone marrow cells. All cases were photomicrographed and images of bone marrow ThinPrep® preparations were compared to those of direct smears and bone marrow trephine biopsies. All 50 cases were presented at the local MDT meetings over an 8 months period. The ThinPrep® preparation made a significant contribution to diagnosis and management of patients with bone marrow abnormalities. We acknowledge the support from Cytyc UK Ltd for this research project.