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Tzanck smear test is a simple, rapid, repeatable, and inexpensive diagnostic method based on the investigation of characteristics of individual cells. For diagnosis of cutaneous diseases, cytology was first used by Arnault Tzanck in 1947. After this date, Tzanck cytology has been used in the diagnosis of various erosive-vesiculobullous, nodular, and tumoral skin lesions. In daily dermatology practice, the most common use areas of cytology are diagnosis of herpetic infections, cutaneous leishmaniasis, leprosy, and autoimmune bullous diseases. The purpose of cytology in autoimmune bullous diseases is to rapidly distinguish pemphigus from subepidermal bullous disease. In this review article, taking and staining methods of cytologic specimen for the diagnosis of autoimmune bullous diseases, and the cytologic findings have been reviewed. (Turkderm 2011; 45 Suppl 1: 39-43) |
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