CT Non-Gynecologic Cytology 2

Question 1

According to The Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology, which nuclear-to-cytoplasmic (N:C) ratio threshold defines a high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) cell?

Accepted Answer

>0.7

Answer

The Paris System defines HGUC cells as having an N:C ratio greater than 0.7, along with hyperchromasia and irregular nuclear membranes.

Question 2

Decoy cells in urine cytology mimic high-grade urothelial carcinoma but are caused by infection with which organism?

Accepted Answer

BK polyomavirus

Answer

BK polyomavirus infects urothelial cells creating 'decoy cells' with smudgy intranuclear inclusions that mimic HGUC, most commonly in immunocompromised patients.

Question 3

Which preparation method is preferred for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology to maximize cellular recovery from a hypocellular specimen?

Accepted Answer

Cytocentrifugation (cytospin)

Answer

Cytocentrifugation concentrates sparse cells from a large fluid volume onto a small defined area of the slide, maximizing cell recovery in typically hypocellular CSF.

Question 4

Psammoma bodies identified in a serous pleural or peritoneal effusion are most characteristically associated with which malignancy?

Accepted Answer

Metastatic papillary serous carcinoma of the ovary

Answer

Psammoma bodies (concentrically laminated calcified structures) are a hallmark of papillary serous carcinoma of the ovary metastasizing to peritoneal or pleural cavities.

Question 5

In pleural effusion cytology, which stain is used to distinguish mucin-secreting adenocarcinoma cells from reactive mesothelial cells?

Accepted Answer

Mucicarmine or Alcian blue (pH 2.5)

Answer

Mucicarmine and Alcian blue (pH 2.5) stain intracytoplasmic epithelial mucin in adenocarcinoma cells, which is absent in mesothelial cells.

CT - Certified Cytotechnologist Practice Test

CT - Certified Cytotechnologist Practice Test

CT Non-Gynecologic Cytology 2