CYTOLOGY, SPUTUM

Message

Label the specimen appropriately (patient name’s, medical record number and specimen source)

Test Code

LAB4021

Alias/See Also

CYSPU

CPT Codes
88305, 88106

Instructions

Label specimen with patient's name (first and last), history number, name of requesting physician, and date and source of specimen.INDUCED SPUTUM SPECIMEN: 1. Induced sputum specimens must be scheduled and collected by GBMC's Respiratory Therapy Department (443-849-2188). 2. Induced sputum specimens usually yield the most diagnostic material for Pneumocystis carinii identification. 3. After collection, label the specimen appropriately (patients full name, medical record number and source). 4. Transport specimen to lab. SPONTANEOUSLY PRODUCED SPUTUM SPECIMENS: Early morning “deep” cough specimens usually yield the most diagnostic material. (24-hour specimen is unsatisfactory for cytology) NOTE: Outpatient collection requires specimen container with CytoRich Red collection fluid. 1. Rinse mouth with water and discard this material. 2. Cough deeply (from stomach) and expectorate into a clean, screw-capped, strerile cup or container with CytoRich Red collection fluid (outpatient only). 3. Continue deep coughing and expectoration for 15 minutes. (Keep specimen container closed when not in use.) 4. Upon completion, tighten the lid on the cup. 5. Label the specimen appropriately (patient name and medical record number) 6. Transport specimen to lab. NOTE: 1. Delayed transport of fresh, unfixed specimen may cause cellular degeneration. 2. “Deep” cough specimens, not saliva, must be collected for an adequate cytologic evaluation. 3. Non-induced sputum specimens have a very low yield of diagnostic material for Pneumocystis carinii identification. POST-BRONCHOSCOPY SPUTUM SPECIMENS: 1. Collect specimen in a clean, screw capped, sterile container in the recovery room following the bronchoscopy procedure. 2. Label the specimen appropriately (patient's name and medical record number). 4. Transport specimen to lab.

Methodology
Interpretation by Pathologist

Setup Schedule

Set Up:Monday - Friday Report Available:1-2 days

Reference Range

Cytology, Sputum Induced, Spontaneous, Post Bronchoscopy specimen

Descriptive diagnosis of microscopic findings are generally categorized as to positive, inconclusive or negative for malignancy. Non-diagnostic or unsatisfactory results are given when material is inadequate for a diagnostic interpretation.

Clinical Significance

Useful for the diagnosis of primary or metastatic neoplasms. Can aid in the diagnosis of non-neoplastic, infectious, or inflammatory processes. (Fungi, Pneumocystis carnii, viral changes)

Performing Laboratory
GBMC Cytology

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.