In pathology, the term “nonviable” describes tissue or cells that are no longer alive or able to function normally. Nonviable tissue cannot be accurately examined or tested because it has become damaged or has died, meaning pathologists cannot reliably interpret results from it.
A sample may become nonviable for several reasons, including:
Understanding why a sample is nonviable helps medical professionals take steps to ensure better quality samples in the future.
Nonviable tissue significantly impacts test results because damaged or dead cells do not accurately represent the true condition of the tissue or disease. If a sample is nonviable, important information may be missed, or the diagnosis could be delayed or incomplete. In some cases, another sample might need to be taken and tested again to ensure accurate results and effective treatment planning.
Generally, nonviable tissue is not suitable for making an accurate diagnosis because the cells are too damaged or deteriorated. Pathologists rely on the appearance and condition of cells to identify diseases accurately. If the tissue is nonviable, another sample is often needed to confirm or clarify the diagnosis.
Yes, cancer cells can become nonviable, especially after treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Nonviable cancer cells are dead or severely damaged and can no longer grow or spread. Identifying nonviable cancer cells can indicate that treatment has been effective. Additionally, samples from rapidly growing cancers can become nonviable due to insufficient blood supply, leading to cell death. In these situations, pathologists might not be able to make a definitive diagnosis from the initial sample, and another sample may be required.