Performance of rapid on-site evaluation of touch imprints of lung tissue biopsies for the diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis in patients without HIV infection.

On-site touch imprint cytology showed good sensitivity and timeliness in the diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis. In addition, it contributed to the triage of biopsies based on the preliminary diagnosis. On-site touch imprint cytology should be applied and promoted in the diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis during biopsy.