STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) FOR CELL BLOCK PREPARATION

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Cell Block Preparation

1.0 Purpose

To establish a consistent procedure for cell block preparation within the cytopathology section.

2.0 Scope

This procedure applies to all types of fluid received in the cytopathology department.

3.0 Introduction

The objectives of cell block preparation are:

Augmenting cytology smear findings in cases of doubt.

Evaluating cellular material trapped in clots within fluids.

Utilizing cell blocks for specific stains/immunohistochemistry when necessary.

4.0 Principle

The fluid sample undergoes unification and fixation, followed by centrifugation to obtain a deposit for cell block creation. The deposit is treated with 10% Formaldehyde and allowed to fix for four hours, after which it is processed similarly to tissue biopsy.

5.0 Analytical Measuring Range and Limit of Detection

Not applicable.

6.0 Responsibility

Technical staff and pathologists are responsible for adherence to this SOP.

7.0 Abbreviations

N/A

8.0 Requirements

Kit Reagents:

95% Alcohol

Harris’s Hematoxylin

9.0 Instrumentation and Software:

Centrifuge

Tissue processor

Disposable:

Gloves

Centrifuge tubes

Slides

Cover slips

Diamond pencil

Filter paper

10.0 Specimen Collection and Handling:

Specimen Collection: Room temperature, slides must be fixed immediately after smear preparation.

Specimen Transport: Room Temperature

Specimen Storage: Refrigerated 2-8°C

Specimen and Control Preparation: Nil

11.0 Precautions

All specimens should be handled with gloves.

Instruments should be handled carefully to prevent injury.

12.0 Limitations & Interferences

Not applicable.

13.0 Documentation

All documents are maintained in:

Cytology entry register

Cytology stain adequacy form

Cytology reagent change form

14.0 Instructions

14.1 Pre-Analytical Steps:

Technical staff to handle sample preparation, reagent preparation, etc.

14.2 Procedure:

Check the fluid for any fixative presence.

Add equal volume of 95% ethanol to all fluids.

Centrifuge the sample at 2500 to 3000 RPM for 15 to 20 minutes.

Transfer supernatant back into patient container.

Transfer sediment onto Whatman no.1 filter paper.

Apply hematoxylin solution to sediment for visibility.

Fold the filter paper and place it into a cassette labeled with patient details. Fix it in 10% formalin for 4 hours, then process as usual.

14.3 Quality Control and Assurance

Evaluate cell block slide quality alongside other biopsies.

Assess processing, embedding, cutting, and staining adequacy before each batch.

Run patient samples only when quality is acceptable or after troubleshooting if needed.

14.4 Calibration and Calibration Verification

Not applicable.

14.5 Storage of Samples

Cytology cell blocks are retained for 10 years at room temperature.

15.0 Reference Range

Not applicable.

16.0 Critical Value

Not applicable.

17.0 Reporting of Results and Interpretation

Results are reported alongside cytology fluid as per approved report formats.

18.0 Contingency Plan

Suitable trained staff are available as backup in case of reagent shortage, manpower issues, or instrument breakdown.

19.0 References

"Bancroft Theory and Practice of Histological Techniques" by John D. Bancroft and Marilyn Gamble; 2007 (6th ed).

END OF THE DOCUMENT

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