In which body fluid can cytology be used for diagnostic purposes?

Cytology can be effectively utilized for diagnostic purposes in pleural fluid. Pleural fluid is the fluid that surrounds the lungs and can accumulate in conditions like pleurisy, infections, or cancers. By examining the cellular components of this fluid, healthcare professionals can detect infections, identify malignant cells, and assess various pathological conditions affecting the lungs or pleura.

In this context, pleural fluid analysis can reveal critical information about the health of the pleural space and lung tissue, making it a significant focus in clinical cytology.

While saliva, blood, and urine can also be analyzed for various diagnostic tests, they are typically not the primary focus of cytological examination. Saliva may be used for certain oral cavity-related assessments, but it does not provide the same level of cellular detail regarding diseases like pleural fluid does. Blood is more commonly evaluated through hematology for cell counts and other parameters, while urine is primarily assessed for biochemical analysis or urinary tract infections rather than detailed cellular examination. Thus, pleural fluid stands out as a key body fluid for cytological diagnostics.