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 |
Specialty: Ophthalmology, Nutrition
ICD-10: ,