Performing an Ear Cytology
Posted: Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 | Updated: Thursday, December 2nd, 2021
Posted: Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 | Updated: Thursday, December 2nd, 2021
Sample Collection
Using a dry cotton swab, gently obtain a sample from one or both ears. Be careful not to force the cotton swab deep within the ear
Microscopic Evaluation
Roll the obtained sample in a semi-transparent line across the microscope slide. If you are evaluating both ears, you may find it convenient to roll two lines across the slide; one for the left ear and one for the right. It's good practice to label the lines indicating which sample came from the left ear and which came from the right. Allow the slide to air dry. Once the sample is dried, proceed to fix and stain the slide using the Diff-Quik method. After staining and letting sit to air dry, scan the slides under 40x for evaluation of cells and/or larger structures. Using the 100x objective and a drop of immersion oil, scan the slide to view any bacteria or fungi that may be present. If you are concerned about mites, take a larger swabbed sample from the ear and place the debris onto a microscope slide. Apply mineral oil to the slide and gently mix them together. You may then examine the sample under the 10x objective for mites. You may place a cover-slip over the sample as well prior to microscopic evaluation if you'd prefer
Using a dry cotton swab, gently obtain a sample from one or both ears. Be careful not to force the cotton swab deep within the ear
Microscopic Evaluation
Roll the obtained sample in a semi-transparent line across the microscope slide. If you are evaluating both ears, you may find it convenient to roll two lines across the slide; one for the left ear and one for the right. It's good practice to label the lines indicating which sample came from the left ear and which came from the right. Allow the slide to air dry. Once the sample is dried, proceed to fix and stain the slide using the Diff-Quik method. After staining and letting sit to air dry, scan the slides under 40x for evaluation of cells and/or larger structures. Using the 100x objective and a drop of immersion oil, scan the slide to view any bacteria or fungi that may be present. If you are concerned about mites, take a larger swabbed sample from the ear and place the debris onto a microscope slide. Apply mineral oil to the slide and gently mix them together. You may then examine the sample under the 10x objective for mites. You may place a cover-slip over the sample as well prior to microscopic evaluation if you'd prefer
Sources:
Papajeski, Barbie. "Ear Cytology: Sampling, Processing, and Microscopic Evaluation." Today's Veterinary Nurse, Summer 2020. https://todaysveterinarynurse.com/articles/ear-cytology-sampling-processing-and-microscopic-evaluation/?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TVP%20News&utm_id=2897064&utm_term=Read+More&dlv-emuid=ead87fb1-943d-4bc0-b549-0b36bca11d33&dlv-mlid=2897064
Papajeski, Barbie. "Ear Cytology: Sampling, Processing, and Microscopic Evaluation." Today's Veterinary Nurse, Summer 2020. https://todaysveterinarynurse.com/articles/ear-cytology-sampling-processing-and-microscopic-evaluation/?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TVP%20News&utm_id=2897064&utm_term=Read+More&dlv-emuid=ead87fb1-943d-4bc0-b549-0b36bca11d33&dlv-mlid=2897064