Abstract: Objective : To determine the value of the combination of the selected antibody panel and DNA image cytometry (DNA-ICM) in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of effusions by applying immunocytochemistry (ICC) and DNA-ICM. Methods : ICC applying antibodies B72.3 、 BerEP4 and Calretinin on paraffin -embedded,formalin -fixed cell block (CB) and DNA - ICM on ThinPrep (TP) slides were performed in the selected 109 effusion specimens. Results : There are 79 carcinomatous effusions and 2% benign effusions in the seleted 109 effusions, the sensitivities of the antibody panel (B72.3 、 Ber-EP4 and Calretinin) and DNA - ICM for detecting carcimoma cells were 88.6% and 82.3% individually. When they were combined, the sensitivity was 96.2%. Conclusion : Combination ICC applying the antibody panel (B72.3 、 Ber-EP4 and Calretinin) and DNA-ICM could auxiliarily differentiate metastatic carcinoma cells from reactive mesothelial cells effectively.