Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA)

Submit a Surgical pathology Request form with essential information provided.  Essential information should include pertinent clinical history ("none", "unknown", or blank is not acceptable.

FNA

Smears: one fixed in Carnoy's fluid or 95% alcohol and one air dried for each pass
Needle washing in sterile saline or CytoLyt solution

Assistance with collection, with or without immediate interpretation, may be provided Monday thru Friday when scheduled in advance with the Histology department.  All slides and specimen containers must be labeled at the collection site with the patient's name and date of birth.  The radiologist or physician will collect the specimen and then carefully express a small drop of the aspirated material onto a slide.  A second slide is placed on top of the first slide, the material is allowed to spread evenly, then gently to prevent crushing of cells, use a circular motion to rotate and lift them apart.  Once slide is fixed and the other is air dried.  Designate "fixed" or "air dried" on the slides.  The needle is washed in sterile saline if going back into the patient.  Continue this process for each pass.  Deliver the specimen to the laboratory along with a Pathology Specimen Diagnosis request form providing all essential information including clincial history.

Slides in slide mailers
Sterile container of sterile saline or vial of CytoLyt