Occasionally a plant seed may be encountered in a histologic section. It can cause a problem in identification if it is unsuspected.
Plant seeds may be expected in:
(1) luminal biopsy of the gastrointestinal tract, including tumor
(2) enteric fistula
Plant seeds may be unexpected if they are introduced as a result of:
(1) penetrating trauma, including iatrogenic
(2) contaminated wound
(3) needle biopsy with track crossing the GI tract
(4) bowel rupture
(5) aspiration
Tips to aid in diagnosis:
(1) Special stains may help. Immunoperoxidase stains can help but would not be available in most laboratories.
(2) Avoid rushing to diagnosis, pay attention to detail.
(3) Consult a textbook and if need be a plant scientist.
Pay attention to:
(1) size
(2) surface findings
(3) starch
(4) cell walls
(5) plastids
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Specialty: Clinical Laboratory
