Carlier et al used a staging scheme to identify cytologic changes in conjunctival cells associated with vitamin A deficiency. This can help identify patients who may benefit from additional testing and nutritional interventions.
Method: Conjunctival Impression Cytology with Transfer (CICT)
Stages:
(1) normal (N)
(2) marginal, plus (M+)
(3) marginal, minus (M-)
(4) deficient (D)
Parameters evaluated:
(1) goblet cells and mucin
(2) appearance of epithelial cells
Goblet Cells and Mucin
Appearance of the Epithelial Cells
Stage
present
numerous, small, in cohesive masses
N
present
numerous, some slightly larger
M+
absent; mucin spots present
moderately enlarged; less cohesion;
M-
absent; mucin spots absent
enlarged and separated
D
Stage
Interpretation
N
negative for vitamin A deficiency
M+
negative for vitamin A deficiency
M-
positive for vitamin A deficiency
D
positive for vitamin A deficiency
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