Comparative image analysis of cells in voided and catheterized urine.

OBJECTIVE

To objectively evaluate the difference in cytologic findings between specimens of voided and catheterized urine by using a comparative image analysis device, CAS200.

STUDY

DESIGN

Cells in voided and catheterized urine from 13 patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), including 3 with grade 1, 6 with grade 2 and 4 with grade 3, were compared cytologically. The cellular area, nuclear area, nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio and nuclear density of both types of cytologic specimen were measured using CAS200.

RESULTS

Cell area and nuclear area of grade 1 TCCs were significantly greater in voided urine than in catheterized urine. In contrast, cell area and nuclear area of grade 3 TCCs were significantly smaller in voided urine than in catheterized urine (P < .01), and nuclear density of grade 3 TCCs was higher in the latter than in the former.

CONCLUSION

The cellular findings in voided urine were different from those in catheterized urine from the same patient. Thus, the method selected for obtaining urine specimens will affect the findings in urinary cytology.