Molecular diagnostic techniques in cytopathology: From the bench to the patient's bedside.

Molecular techniques are increasingly used in everyday practice for patient diagnosis and also to guide therapy. Their application in cytological specimens can allow a more cost-effective management with fewer risks. However, standardized protocols are needed to guarantee accurate and reproducible results. We herein report five practical examples of the application of ancillary techniques in cytopathology and review the literature on the issue, highlighting the practical aspects of sample management.