Abstract :

  Background and Aim: Artifacts refer to the artificial structures on microscopic slides which may lead to an incorrect tissue diagnosis., The present study was conducted with the aim to investigate the frequency and type of artifacts found in histopathology slides.

  Materials and Methods : In this descriptive study, 154 slides were randomly selected from the archives (2008 to 2012) and their clinical data were extracted from the records. Slides were evaluated by an oral pathologist in terms of the presence or absence of artifacts. Using the reference book, artifacts were categorized into three groups which included those caused by surgeon’s performance, technician’s performance and method of transport to the laboratory. The frequency and type of artifacts were presented as the percent.

  Results: Out of 154 slides examined, only one case (0.06%) was free of artifact 91.6%, 99.4% and 0.06% of slides were respectively found with artifacts caused by the surgeon’s and the technician′s performance and mode of transport to the laboratory. The highest and lowest numbers of artifacts relating to the technician′s performance were due to formalin sedimentation and contamination factors respectively. The highest and lowest numbers of artifacts caused by the surgeon’s performance were associated with crack and heat factors respectively.

  Conclusion : The high frequency of artifacts in microscopic slides indicates an absolute need for competent performance and efficient cooperation of surgeons, pathologists and laboratory technicians in order to achieve better diagnostic results and diminish the rate of artifacts in histopathology slides.