Frequency of Different Types of Artifacts among Oral and Maxillofacial Histopathological Slides in Zanjan Dental School from 2015 to 2017

Artifact refers to an artificial or replaced structure in histopathological slides as a result of an extraneous factor. Given the influence of identification and awareness of the types of artifacts on the correct diagnosis, the frequency of artifacts in oral and maxillofacial histopathological slides was assessed.

In this cross-sectional study, census method was used to assess 119 oral and maxillofacial histopathological slides retrieved from the archive of Zanjan Dental School from 2015 to 2017. Artifacts were divided into three groups arising from the surgeon’s performance, technician’s performance, and specimen transfer to the laboratory. Statistical analysis of data was performed using an independent t test in SPSS software version 18.0.

The average numbers of artifacts arising from the surgeon’s performance, technician’s performance, and specimen transfer to the laboratory were 3.90±1.14, 3.08±1.10, and 0, respectively. The mean number of artifacts arising from the surgeon’s performance was significantly higher compared to the other two groups (P<0.01) and the most common ones included fragmentation, split, and tear. The most common artifacts arising from the technician’s performance were fold/wrinkle, chaffer, and floater. There was no artifact arising from specimen transfer to the laboratory.

The results indicated a high frequency of various artifacts in the studied slides. Therefore, paying more attention to slide preparation protocols and proficient performance during the biopsy procedure as well as further cooperation between the surgeon, pathologist, and laboratory technician can be useful in reducing the frequency of artifacts and achieving a better diagnosis.