A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

Cytology, Non-Gynecologic

Message
Various specimens, other than gynecological specimens, may be sent for cytological analysis. Each specimen must be collected properly to ensure the most accurate diagnosis. The collection procedure may be different based upon the body site from which the collection is from. Reliable and accurate results can be obtained only from specimens collected properly. Cellular retrieval improves with the volume of specimen. Minimum volumes are provided however every attempt will be made to perform testing on irreplaceable specimens.  
 


Test Code
1235121560


Alias/See Also
Medical
Nongynecologic
Non Gynecologic


Includes
Lab AP Report Final Diagnosis Narrative
Lab AP Microscopic Description
Lab AP Non-Gyn Immediate Assessment
Lab AP Clinical Information
Lab AP Special Stains
Lab AP Diagnosis Comment
Lab AP Gross Description
Lab AP Non-Gyn Specimen 1 Adequacy
Lab AP Non-Gyn Interpretation Specimen 1
Lab AP Non-Gyn Specimen 2 Adequacy
Lab AP Non-Gyn Interpretation Specimen 2
Lab AP Non-Gyn Other Findings


Preferred Specimen
Each specimen must be labeled with the patient's full name, medical record number and/or date of birth, and specimen source, either by hand or using an electronically generated label. Labels are applied to the primary container - not to the lid.


Instructions
Respiratory Tract Specimens:
  1. Sputum Collection: Sputum is the result of a spontaneous "deep" cough which brings up material from the small bronchi and alveoli of the lung.
    • Collect the specimen by either a spontaneous expectoration or by an aerosol method.
    • The specimen must be collected into a sterile container without fixative.
    • Note on container: The site/source, date and time of collection and nurse's name. 
    • Minimum volume: 1.0 mL.
  2. Bronchial Washing:
    • Collect Bronchial washings during bronchoscopy procedure.
    • Collect the specimen into a sterile container.
    • Note on container: The site/source, date and time of collection and nurse's name. 
    • Minimum volume: 1.0 mL.
  3. Bronchial Brushing:
    • Bronchial brushings are obtained during bronchoscopic procedures.
    • Once the brush contains a patient's specimen, agitate it into a container with sterile saline or agitate it into a container containing 30 mL of ThinPrep Cytolyt solution. The agitation assures the cells will be sloughed into the solution and not stuck on the brush.
    • Note on container: The site/source, date and time of collection and nurse's name. 
    • Minimum volume: Not applicable.
Urinary Tract Specimens:
  1. Voided Urine:
    • Cleanse the opening of the urethra before collecting the urine. Collect the specimen in a sterile container as it is voided from the urethra.
    • Obtain enough urine to cover the bottom of the container.
    • Note on the container that the urine is either voided or clean catch.
    • Note on container: The source of urine, date and time of collection and nurse's name. 
    • Minimum volume: 10 mL.
  2. Catheterized Urine:
    • Collect the urine sample from a patient's catheter and place into a sterile container.
    • Note on the container that the urine is collected from a catheter.
    • Note on container: The source, date and time of collection and nurse's name. 
    • Minimum volume: 10 mL.
  3. Washing/Bladder Barbotage:
    • Collect the urine during a cystoscopy procedure.
    • The cystoscope is inserted into the bladder and washed to obtain the urine directly from the bladder.
    • Placed directly into a sterile container.
    • Note on container: The site/source, date and time of collection and nurse's name.
    • Minimum volume: 10 mL.
  4. Kidney/Renal Pelvis Washing/Brushing:
    • Collect the urine during a cystoscopy.
    • Place the urine directly into a sterile container.
      • If the specimen is a washing, it is dispensed into a sterile container.
      • If the specimen is a brushing, the brush must be agitated into sterile saline and placed in a sterile container.
    • Note on container: The site/source, date and time of collection and nurse's name.
    • Minimum volume: 10 mL.
Gastrointestinal Tract (Esophagus, Stomach, Duodenum, Colon):
  1. Endoscopic Brushing:
    • Obtained the specimen during an endoscopic procedure of which the targeted specimen source is brushed.
    • Remove the brush from the endoscope and agitated into a sterile cup with sterile saline or into a container containing 30 mL of ThinPrep Cytolyt solution.
    • Note on container: The site/source, date and time of collection and nurse or physician's name. 
    • Minimum volume: Not applicable.
Body Fluids (Pleural, Pericardial, Ascitic, Peritoneal Washing):
  1. Body cavity fluids and Peritoneal Washing:
    • Collect specimens into an empty evacuated container, tubes, or syringes.
    • It is preferred that body cavity fluids are sent fresh to the cytology laboratory.
    • Note on container: The site/source, date and time of collection and nurse's name.
    • Minimum volume: 10 mL.
Cerebrospinal Spinal Fluid (CSF):
  1. CSF
    • Collect via a spinal tap or through a shunt in the patient. (four (4) vials)
    • Send the specimen to the laboratory fresh and as quickly as possible.
    • Cytology processing cut of time 3:00 PM Monday-Friday.
    • After normal Cytology business hours (after 3:00 PM) and Saturday and Sunday, the specimen is sent to the Hematology department where two air dried smears and two spray fixed smears (fixed with Cytology Spray Fixative) are prepared.
    • Note on container: The site/source, date and time of collection and nurse's name.
    • Minimum volume: 1 mL/vial.
Breast Secretions:
  1. Nipple Discharge:
    • Collect the specimen by applying a slide directly to the nipple.
    • Immediately fix the slide with Cytology spray fixative.
    • Note on container: The site/source, date and time of collection and nurse's name.
    • Minimum volume: Not applicable.
  2. Breast Secretions:
    • Collect the specimen via swab or spatula.
    • Place the specimen directly into a container containing 30 mL of ThinPrep Cytolyt
    • Note on container: The site/source, date and time of collection and nurse's name.
    • Minimum volume: Not applicable.
Fine Needle Aspirations:
  1. Refer to Procedure for FNA Protocol.
Miscellaneous:
  1. For all smears or fluids from sites other than those mentioned above, please contact the Cytology laboratory at 570-887-5610 for proper collection and handling protocol.


Transport Temperature
Refrigerated


Performing Laboratory
Guthrie Clinic Lab



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.