PURPOSE: To historically review the technique of impression cytology as a minimally invasive diagnostic tool for ocular surface pathology. METHODS: A comprehensive review of published literature cited in PubMed since the first description of impression cytology in 1977 up to date has been undertaken. RESULTS: A wide range of processing methods have been adapted to the technique of impression cytology (from conjunctiva, cornea or limbus): regular light microscopy with different stainings, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry, polymerase chain reaction analysis, immunoblotting analyses, or flow cytometry. At present, it is widely used as a non-invasive alternative to the full-thickness biopsy for the obtention of epithelial cells from the ocular surface. CONCLUSIONS: Impression cytology represents a non- or minimally invasive biopsy of the ocular surface epithelium with no side effects or contraindications. It has demonstrated to be a useful diagnostic aid for a wide variety of processes involving the ocular surface. In addition, and mainly during the last decade, its use as a research tool has experienced an enormous growth and has greatly contributed to the understanding of ocular surface pathology.
PURPOSE: To historically review the technique of impression cytology as a minimally invasive diagnostic tool for ocular surface pathology. METHODS: A comprehensive review of published literature cited in PubMed since the first description of impression cytology in 1977 up to date has been undertaken. RESULTS: A wide range of processing methods have been adapted to the technique of impression cytology (from conjunctiva, cornea or limbus): regular light microscopy with different stainings, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry, polymerase chain reaction analysis, immunoblotting analyses, or flow cytometry. At present, it is widely used as a non-invasive alternative to the full-thickness biopsy for the obtention of epithelial cells from the ocular surface. CONCLUSIONS: Impression cytology represents a non- or minimally invasive biopsy of the ocular surface epithelium with no side effects or contraindications. It has demonstrated to be a useful diagnostic aid for a wide variety of processes involving the ocular surface. In addition, and mainly during the last decade, its use as a research tool has experienced an enormous growth and has greatly contributed to the understanding of ocular surface pathology.
Authors: Laura Contreras-Ruiz; Denise S Ryan; Rose K Sia; Kraig S Bower; Darlene A Dartt; Sharmila Masli Journal: Ophthalmology Date: 2014-03-27 Impact factor: 12.079
Authors: Mary Ann Stepp; James D Zieske; Vickery Trinkaus-Randall; Briana M Kyne; Sonali Pal-Ghosh; Gauri Tadvalkar; Ahdeah Pajoohesh-Ganji Journal: Exp Eye Res Date: 2014-03-04 Impact factor: 3.467
Authors: J E Moore; J E Graham; E A Goodall; D A Dartt; A Leccisotti; V E McGilligan; T C B Moore Journal: Br J Ophthalmol Date: 2008-09-09 Impact factor: 4.638