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Test Code Cytology FNA CYTOLOGY – FNA

Aliasis

Cytology, Fine Needle Aspirate; Cytology Aspiration

Patient Preparation

Per physician’s protocol

Collection Method

Collection of FNA varies for different specimen sites. Please call the Cytology Lab at 573-632-5232 for specific instructions, and supplies, if needed

Minimum Volume

See Preferred Specimen

Preferred Specimen

Preferred specimen and volumes vary with different specimen sites. Typical FNA’s will need 4 air dried smears and needle rinses in a 30 mL vial of Cytolyt and/or 20 mL vial of 10% formalin. Specimens may be entirely submitted in Cytolyt and/or 10% formalin, if desired. If lymphoma or leukemia is suspected please submit a needle rinse in 1 vial of RPMI solution.

Reference or Target Ranges

Interpretive report with results

Reportable Units

N/A

Critical Value

“Positive for Malignancy” diagnosis will prompt physician notification and cancer tracking. Other unusual/unexpected diagnoses may also trigger additional physician notification.

Reasons for Rejection

Other:                           

Specimen leaked or contaminated

Mislabeled or unlabeled containers or slides

Specimen submitted in unacceptable containers such as Vacutainer bottles and bags

Improperly handled specimens

Specimen Stability

Specimen stability varies, please submit specimen as soon as possible after collection. Refrigerate at 2-8C if it will be sitting overnight or longer before pick-up/delivery to lab.

Performance Information

Days and Time Performed

Monday-Friday 8am – 4pm

Expected Turn Around Time

≤ 3 days

Stat Availability

Call Cytology Lab at 573-632-5232 to request STAT.

Additional Information / Important Notes

Deliver specimen, after placing electronic order, to CRMC Processing/Laboratory. When electronic ordering is unavailable, a paper Cytology requisition must accompany the specimen

Special Handling

If requesting a Rapid On-Site Evaluation and/or a Pathologist to perform an FNA please call 573-632-5232 or 573-632-5230, Monday to Friday 8:00am-5:00pm. Services needed outside of these hours must be scheduled in advance by calling this number.

Methodology/Method Description

Preparations made include one or more of the following dpending on specimen type:

  • Thin Prep
  • Smears
  • Cytospins
  • Cell Block

Stains utilized include one or more of the following:

  • Papanicolaou
  • Diff Quik
  • Wright
  • H&E
  • Special/Immunohistochemcial stains

CPT Codes

Varies by specimen. Contact billing office for more information