Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an important diagnostic tool used preoperatively for diagnosis of palpable and non palpable mass lesions. Various techniques have been described for doing the procedure. Aims & Objetive: We conducted a study with the objective of evaluating role of cytospin technique in inadequate and hemmorhagic samples in cytology. To perform immunocytochemistry on the cytospin slides if required during the diagnosis. Results: 19 thyroid cases, 6 salivary gland cases, 30 lymph node cases, 12 soft tissue cases, 9 breast cases and 4 miscellaneous cases were done. Cellularity was inadequate in 1.3% cases in conventional FNAC whereas inadequacy was seen in 8.8% cases of cytospin slides. The cellular details were clear and satisfactory in 100% of the cases in both conventional and cytospin slides. The cytospin slides prepared from the residual hub material was diagnosed as colloid goiter whereas only abundant colloid was seen on conventional smears where opinion was not possible. Granulomas were missed with cytospin technique due to significant decrease in the background caseous necrosis and scattered cellularity. Immunocytochemistry on cytospin slides was convenient due to monolayered cells aiding in appropriate diagnosis. Conclusion: Cytospin can be used as an adjunct to routine smears where limited material or hemorrhagic material is present. Special ancillary tests like immunomarkers and special stains can be done on these slides which aids in rapid and definitive diagnosis.

Keywords: Conventional FNAC; Cytospin Technique; Immunochemistry.