An international survey about nail histology processing techniques. (10th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wlodek, Christina; Lecerf, Pauline; Andre, Josette; Ruben, Beth S.; de Berker, David
• Is Part Of: Journal of cutaneous pathology. Volume 44:Number 9(2017)
• Page Start: 749
• Page End: 756
• Publication Date: 2017-07-10
• Subjects: biopsy -- laboratories -- nail -- pathology -- survey; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Dermatology -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1111/cup.12976
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0303-6987

Abstract

Abstract : Background: There are limited data on nail histopathology techniques. The objective of this study was to examine nail histopathology techniques currently in use internationally. Methods: An online survey was sent to the European Nail Society and Council for Nail Disorders during 2015–2016. Results: There were 57 respondents, from twenty countries comprising dermatologists, podiatrists and pathologists. Specimens were unmarked or marked using ink or a suture and fixed in 10% formalin, from 6 to 48 hours before embedding in paraffin wax (90% [17/19]), liquid nitrogen (frozen section, 1/19) and 2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate (plastic, 1/19). Nail softening was undertaken by 71% (17/24) of respondents for 6 to 48 hours using Mollifex Gurr (12.5%, 3/24), 10% potassium hydroxide solution (12.5%, 3/24) or 10% potassium thioglycolate cream (12.5%, 3/24). Section thickness was 4 to 9 µm (62.5%), using a steel microtome (92%, 12/13) on glass slides (91.6%, 11/12). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) was routine for all biopsies and Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) for fungus. The favored stain for differentiating melanin and hemoglobin was Fontana‐Masson (60%, 6/10). For pigmented lesions, Melan‐A was always employed by all respondents (9/9). Conclusion: Nail histopathology processing has some small variations from normal skin processing.