Cytopathology, Fine-Needle Aspirate (FNA)

Test Code

Preferred Specimen

Adequate cellular material for cytopathologic evaluation obtained from an appropriately performed FNA. This will depend on specimen site and character of lesion being aspirated. In general, this requires that there be enough material for the examiner to at least determine that the aspirating needle sampled a mass lesion. It is highly desirable that several direct smears be prepared for all FNA specimens submitted.

Specimen Type: Smears

Container/Tube: Slides and container with 95% ethyl alcohol

Collection Instructions:

1. Using a #2 lead pencil, pre-label slides with at least 2 sources of patient identification (eg, bar code, patient name, date of birth, or other unique identifier), date of collection, and type and site of specimen.
2. Collect specimen as appropriate and make smear of material.

Note: Smears should be made for each site aspirated.

3. Smears should be spray-fixed immediately at time of collection, as air-drying starts to occur within seconds of slide preparation. Partial fixation of slides develop air-drying artifact that could complicate interpretation and possibly result in an unsatisfactory specimen.

4. After smears have been made, express remaining material in needle and syringe into container with 95% ethyl alcohol.

Note: If specimen is from thyroid, do not use Cytorich fluid.

5. Wash needle thoroughly by drawing alcohol into needle and syringe and expressing back into container. Multiple passes from same site should be expressed into same container.

6. Repeat as needed with new needle and syringe for multiple passes or sites.

7. Label container with at least 2 sources of patient identification (eg, bar code, patient name, date of birth, or other unique identifier), date of collection, and type and site of specimen.

Specimen Type: Cyst fluid

Container/Tube: Clean container with no preservative

Collection Instructions:

1. If a cyst is encountered during aspiration, evacuate all fluid from cyst and place in a clean container.

2. Label container with at least 2 sources of patient identification (eg, bar code, patient name, date of birth, or other unique identifier), date of collection, and type and site of specimen.

3. Refrigerate specimen after collection, and send specimen refrigerated.

Note:

1. Complete a SaraPath Diagnostics requisition, include all relevant clinical information, and submit with specimen.

2. Verify patient name and other unique identifiers on test requisition match those on specimen.

3. Specimen may be rejected and returned to originating site if any of the following conditions apply:

a. Patient or specimen identification errors or omissions

b. Incorrect specimen submitted for test requested

c. Irreparable slide

d. Damaged or leaking specimen

e. Submitted in preservative

4. Call SaraPath Diagnostics for:

a. Technical assistance - Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 941-362-8900

b. Courier service or supplies - Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 941-362-8932 or 941-362-8900

Note: STAT Specimen - Call for pick-up of STAT specimen and indicate STAT on requisition.

Setup Schedule

Weekdays

Performing Laboratory
SaraPath Diagnostics

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.