Comparative study of available fixatives in the preservation of tumor cells from bladder washings

A comparative, single blind study is done on the effect and length of time of preservation of cancer cells from unrefrigerated, barbotaged urinary bladder washings with the use of available fixatives as follows: 10% formalin, 100% methanol, 95% ethanol, 100% methanol + acetone (1:1), 100% methanol + acetic acid (3:1) and 100% methanol + acetic acid (20:1). Fifteen (15) patients with transitional cell CA and two (2) patients with squamous cell CA of the urinary bladder are included in the study. Tumor cells are preserved up to 7 days with the optimum placed at 5 days. Methanol 100% and 100% methanol + acetone (1:1) are recommended as the fixative of choice.