Nasal cytology as a nasal test.

For years the presence of eosinophils has been considered a reliable diagnostic sign in the detection of nasal allergy, but little attention has been paid to the occurrence of other cellular elements. A complete study of hematogenic and epithelial cellular elements gives valuable information about the character of the rhinitis; i.e. is it caused by allergy or infection, or by both? The vitality of the mucosa, i.e. hyperfunction and atrophy, can also be assessed.