1. =Sedimentation.= The formed elements of pathologic fluids (urine,
sputum, pus, blood, exudates, transudates, cyst-contents, etc.) are
examined by collecting the sediment of such fluids from the bottom
of a sedimenting glass or bottle, by means of a capillary pipette
controlled by the finger. While the sediment is passing up into the
tube the pipette should be moved about the bottom of the vessel so as
to get some of the sediment from all parts. When the fluid is rich in
cellular elements sedimentation is not necessary; a drop of the fluid
is placed upon the slide; if too thick it is diluted with physiologic
salt-solution or serum. If poor in cellular elements the fluid must
be centrifugalized by means of a water- or electric-centrifuge; and
a drop of the sediment in the centrifuge tube is then removed by the
pipette and placed upon the slide, and covered with a cover-glass.
To facilitate the low-power examination of such sediments parallel
streaks upon the slide may be made across its entire length, and
examined without the use of cover-glasses. To apply the various
reagents mentioned below it becomes necessary to use a cover-glass as
directed.
2. =Smears.= A clean fresh cut is made into the organ or tissue, and
a clean slide or cover-glass is drawn across the surface. Without
permitting the smear to dry a drop of salt-solution or any desired
reagent is put upon it, and it is then examined. This method is
especially applicable to the study of the cells of the spleen,
bone-marrow, lymphnodes, etc. Permanent balsam-mounts may be made
of such smears by fixing with heat or alcohol and ether, staining,
drying and mounting.
3. =Scraping.= A fresh cut is made into the organ or tissue, and
the excess of blood absorbed by a pad of absorbent paper devoid of
lint. A clean scalpel held at an angle of 45° is then drawn with
some force back and forth over the cut-surface until its blade
collects a sufficient amount of “tissue-juice” made up of the cells
of the tissue. This is then put upon a slide, and covered with
salt-solution or any desired reagent, and is then examined. This
method is used especially for cellular infiltrations, soft tumors,
and parenchymatous organs (spleen, lymphnodes, bone-marrow, liver,
etc.), and for the inner wall of cysts (echinococcus-cysts, cysts
lined with ciliated epithelium).
4. =Crushing.= A small bit of the tissue is cut out with the scissors
or scalpel, and placed upon the slide. A cover-glass is then placed
upon it and pressed down so firmly that the bit of tissue is spread
out in a thin film or layer beneath the cover-glass. Reagents are
introduced beneath the cover-glass, as desired. (See below.) This
method is used in the examination of the lung, kidneys and brain for
fatty embolism, and of the brain and spinal-cord for “fat-granule”
cells, pigment, calcified ganglion-cells, Negri bodies, etc. It is
also frequently used in the bacteriologic examination of tissues
(crushing of tubercles, etc.).
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