Young investigator challenge: The accuracy of the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio estimation among trained morphologists.

摘要: BACKGROUND The estimation of the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio (N:C ratio) is an important factor in diagnosing atypia and malignancy pathological specimens, particularly cytology. Many algorithms for determining malignant potential make reference to specific, decimal N:C ratios without specifying how should be measured, with implication that observer intended estimate this by eye. The authors wanted determine accurate trained morphologists (including attending pathologists, pathology residents, cytotechnologists) are at estimating a measuring device. METHODS Two surveys were prepared containing ideal real cell images various ratios. Participants instructed select their best from list data tabulated analyzed estimates whether there was any performance difference between images. RESULTS The absolute percentage deviation actual decreased steadily increasing ratio. Aggregate found closely correlated images, although interobserver variation not significantly different among participants quiz, but on quiz. CONCLUSIONS Trained relatively estimations become increasingly more as depicted increases. This suggests including decimals criteria diagnosis valid high Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015;123:524–530. © 2015 American Society.