Advantages and disadvantages of different cytological preparations for mutation testing
| Direct smears | Cell blocks | Liquid-based cytology | |
| Advantages | High-quality DNA Visualisation of malignant cells ROSE feasible The areas of optimal tumour/benign ratio are easier to find and delineate | Diagnostic smears preserved Standardised for immunostainings Guidelines recommended Useful for image-guided procedure | Eliminates the need for slide preparation by clinicians Material maximised Optimal yield and quality of CytoLyt-derived DNA |
| Disadvantages | Additional rigorous validation Loss of diagnostic material Delay due to coverslip removal LCM may be needed | Poor DNA quality ROSE unfeasible Pooled sample Unsatisfactory cell block preparation method | ROSE unfeasible Pooled sample Suboptimal yield and quality of Cytorich Red derived DNA |
LCM, laser capture microdissection; ROSE, rapid onsite evaluation.