Thin-layer liquid-based preparation of non-gynaecological exfoliative and fine-needle aspiration biopsy cytology

Thin-layer cytology (TLC) is an automated method for processing the cells collected in a liquid solution by layering them onto a single slide. The remaining material can be used for ancillary techniques. TLC is applied with good results in exfoliative and aspiration cytology of pulmonary, urinary, gastrointestinal, endocrine, breast and salivary gland specimens and in the diagnosis of serous effusions. The main advantages of TLC over conventional smears (CS) are: (1) simplification of the sampling technique; (2) decrease of the cellular artefacts leading to fewer inadequate diagnoses; and (3) applicability to additional investigations. The limitations of TLC are: (1) changes in the morphological picture of some lesions; (2) increase of the workload for the technical staff; and (3) cost increase. The application of TLC to non-gynaecological specimens favours so many innovative developments that it can be regarded as an appropriate substitute for CS.