DOI: https://doi.org/10.22263/2312-4156.2025.2.20
P.M. Motolyanets, O.A. Yudina, A.Z. Smolensky
Sample preparation of follicular fluid for granulosa cell visualization: a comparative analysis of liquid-based cytology and cell block methods
State Institution “Republican Clinical Medical Center” of the Administration of the President of the Republic
of Belarus, Minsk, Republic of Belarus
Vestnik VGMU. 2025;24(2):20-28.
Abstract.
Objectives. To select a follicular fluid processing method for optimal visualization of granulosa cells.
Material and methods. The study included 170 follicular fluid samples obtained during oocyte-cumulus complex aspiration for in vitro fertilization due to infertility. Granulosa cell slides were prepared using liquid-based cytology (n=160) and cell block methods (n=160). A scoring scale was developed for comparative assessment of slide quality based on “cellularity,” “cell clusters,” “nuclear integrity,” “presence of debris,” and “cytoplasmic preservation” for both methods applied.
Results. Cell block preparations scored higher both in total score (p=0,0001) and in terms of cellularity (p=0,0001), presence of cell clusters (p=0,0001), and nuclear integrity (p=0,0001). Liquid-based cytology preparations demonstrated better cytoplasmic visualization (p=0,0001) and significantly less debris (p=0,0001).
Conclusions. The cell block method allows for optimal visualization of granulosa cell nuclei and the production of highly cellular preparations with preserved cell layers, which is crucial for subsequent
immunocytomorphological studies. The proposed scoring scale is also used to identify non-informative preparations.
Keywords: follicular fluid, granulosa cells, liquid-based cytology, cell block.
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Submitted 16.12.2024
Accepted 14.04.2025
Information about authors:
Pavel M. Motolyanets – pathologist, Head of the Pathology Department, “Republican Clinical Medical Center” of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Belarus, e-mail: Этот адрес электронной почты защищён от спам-ботов. У вас должен быть включен JavaScript для просмотра.;
O.A. Yudina – Candidate of Medical Sciences, associate professor, pathologist of the Pathology Department, “Republican Clinical Medical Center” of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Belarus;
A.Z. Smolensky – Candidate of Medical Sciences, pathologist of the Pathology Department, “Republican Clinical Medical Center” of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Belarus.
