X-Message-Number: 12702
Date: Wed, 3 Nov 1999 10:29:04 -0800 (PST)
From: Doug Skrecky <>
Subject: polyethylene glycol helps preserve fixed tissue

Authors
  Maxwell P.  Patterson AH.  Jamison J.  Miller K.  Anderson N.
Institution
  Institute of Pathology, Royal Group of Hospitals Trust, Belfast, UK.
  
Title
  Use of alcohol fixed cytospins protected by 10% polyethylene glycol in
  immunocytology external quality assurance.
Source
  Journal of Clinical Pathology.  52(2):141-4, 1999 Feb.
Abstract
  AIMS: To provide cytospins as a means of external quality assurance (EQA),
  while maintaining antigen expression integrity and achieving uniformity of
  material for all participating laboratories. METHODS: Cells were collected
  from two adenocarcinoma and one reactive pleural effusion specimens. Lymphoid
  cells were also collected through aspiration of a resected tonsil specimen.
  All cells were collected in Hanks balanced salt solution (HBSS); cytospins
  were made and fixed in methanol or acetone alone or protected using a layer
  of 10% polyethylene glycol (PEG) in 50% methanol. Two laboratories
  participated (RGHT and UCL). RESULTS: Cytokeratin expression detected using
  either CAM5.2 or AE1/AE3 antibodies was sensitive to temperature. Without
  PEG, unacceptable or negative staining was seen within six weeks of
  preparation. LCA was not sensitive to temperature, with good staining scores
  being achieved after eight weeks following preparation. CONCLUSIONS: It is
  possible to send alcohol fixed, air dried cytospins to laboratories
  participating as part of an EQA scheme for immunocytology. Some antigens will
  require protection from temperature variations during transit. A layer of 10%
  PEG in 50% methanol, allowed to air dry, is suitable for this purpose.
  Participating laboratories will only have to remove this layer using methanol
  before their localisation technique for assessment.

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