How do you brush cytology during endoscopy?

Here are some tips for brushing cytology during endoscopy:

- Use a cytobrush or other small brush to collect cells. Common brushes used include endoscopic cytology brushes, bristle brushes, and brushes designed specifically for brush cytology.

- Select the area to be brushed. This is often an abnormal-looking area like a mass, ulcer, mucosa that appears irregular, etc. Avoid necrotic tissue.

- Gently press the brush on the target area and rotate it in a circular motion several times to collect cells. Apply just enough pressure to collect cells but not enough to cause bleeding. - After collecting the sample, carefully withdraw and remove the brush while avoiding contacting other areas to prevent contamination. 

- Transfer the cellular material from the brush onto a glass slide by rolling and pressing the brush onto the slide. Smear the material thinly. 

- Immediately spray fixative onto the slide or place it in alcohol to preserve the sample. 

- Label the slide with patient identifiers and the site that was brushed. 

- Send the slide for cytological examination. A pathologist will examine the stained cells under a microscope and provide a cytopathology report.

- Take care not to contaminate the scope with cellular material when removing the brush. Clean and disinfect the scope properly afterward.