Rapid Economic, Acetic Acid, Papanicolaou Stain (REAP) -

• Main Author: Ranu RoyBiswas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Al Ameen Medical College 2008-12-01
• Series: Al Ameen Journal of Medical Sciences
• Subjects: Papanicolaou smear; cervical cancer screening; REAP stain
• Online Access: http://ajms.alameenmedical.org/articel_vol2/AJMS.2.P-99-103-C.pdf

The universal stain for cervical cytological screening is Papanicolaou stain which has been used in different laboratories with many modifications. Aims: The study is designed to search for a superior and improved qualitative staining technique which is cheaper but rapid in cancer screening by cytology. The modified technique is referred as Rapid, economic, acetic acid Papanicolaou stain (REAP).Material & methods: 220 PAP smears from 110 patients ( 2 per subject) were collected . One set of smears was stained by conventional Papanicolaou stain & the other set by REAP stain. Pre- Orange G 6 & post- Orange G 6 and post- EA50 ethanol baths in REAP stain were replaced by 1% acetic acid. Tap water was used instead of Scott’s tap water to reduce cost. Hematoxylin was preheated in waterbath to 60˚ C before staining for rapid penetration. Methanol was used for final dehydration. Results: The two methods were compared in respect of optimal cytoplasmic & nuclear staining, stain preservation, cost & total time for the procedure. In REAP technique, cytoplasmic & nuclear staining was optimal in 100 & 105 cases respectively. The cost was reduced to 25% due to limited alcohol use. The staining-time was minimised to 3 minutes. Conclusion: REAP stain, in comparison to conventional Papanicolaou, provides a suitable, excellent & rapid alternative for cytological screening with minimum cost. The stain preservation is also good in REAP method.