The Benefits of Automation in Cytopathology

Hongtao Liu, Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, China, Email: Hongtao9999@gmail.com

Received: 28-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. JMOLPAT-23-91217; Editor assigned: 03-Mar-2023, Pre QC No. JMOLPAT-23-91217 (PQ); Reviewed: 20-Mar-2023, QC No. JMOLPAT-23-91217; Revised: 27-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. JMOLPAT-23-91217 (R); Published: 03-Apr-2023

About the Study

Cytopathology is a branch of pathology that deals with the study of cells obtained from various bodily fluids or tissues, including blood, urine, sputum, and fine needle aspiration biopsies. Modern cytopathology has undergone significant advancements in recent years, particularly with the advent of new diagnostic technologies and improved molecular techniques.

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) is a minimally invasive technique used to collect samples of cells from masses or nodules, such as those found in the thyroid gland or breast tissue. A small needle is inserted into the nodule or mass, and a syringe is used to withdraw a sample of cells for analysis. The collected cells are then evaluated by a pathologist under a microscope.

FNAB is a relatively quick and painless procedure that is less invasive than a surgical biopsy. It also has a lower risk of complications and a shorter recovery time. FNAB is particularly useful in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules, where it can distinguish between benign and malignant nodules with a high degree of accuracy.

Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC) is a technique that is commonly used for cervical cancer screening. In LBC, a sample of cervical cells is collected using a brush or spatula, and the collected cells are suspended in a liquid preservative. The sample is then processed in a laboratory to create a thin layer of cells on a microscope slide, which is then examined by a pathologist under a microscope.

LBC has several advantages over traditional Pap smears. It reduces the number of unsatisfactory or inadequate samples, as the liquid preservative stabilizes the cells and reduces the chance of cell loss or distortion. LBC also reduces the presence of blood or mucus on the slide, which can interfere with the interpretation of the sample. In addition, LBC has been shown to increase the detection rate of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions.

Molecular Testing

Molecular testing has revolutionized the field of cytopathology in recent years. It involves the use of advanced molecular techniques to detect specific genetic abnormalities or mutations in cells, which can be used to diagnose or predict the course of disease.

One example of molecular testing in cytopathology is the detection of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in cervical samples. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that is a major risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. Molecular testing can identify the presence of HPV DNA in cervical cells, which can be used to identify women at increased risk of developing cervical cancer.

Another example of molecular testing in cytopathology is the detection of genetic mutations in lung cancer. Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and early detection is critical for improving patient outcomes. Molecular testing can detect specific genetic mutations in lung cancer cells, which can be used to select targeted therapies that are more effective than traditional chemotherapy.

Automation and Digitalization

Automation and digitalization have also played a significant role in modern cytopathology. Automated systems have been developed for the preparation and staining of cytology samples, which reduce the risk of human error and increase the efficiency of laboratory processes.

Digitalization of cytopathology images has also facilitated remote interpretation and consultation. Digital images can be transmitted to pathologists in other locations for review and consultation, which can improve patient care in areas where access to pathology expertise is limited. Digitalization has also enabled the development of computer-assisted image analysis, which can assist pathologists in the diagnosis and classification of cytology samples.

Copyright: © 2023 The Authors. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.