BODY FLUID CYTOLOGY (NGY)
Department: Cytology
Test Synonym(s): Ascitic fluid (Paracentesis Fluid), Pleural fluid (Thoracentesis Fluid), Pericardial fluid, Peritoneal fluid (Abdominal Fluid), Breast Implant Effusions, Breast Secretions
Methodology: Call Lab for assistance at 615-322-2721
Tube Type: Clean specimen container (Glass containers will not be accepted) - add 1U/mL of Heparin if bloody.
Specimen: Fresh specimen. Fixative (RPMI or Saline) may be added if specimen cannot be refrigerated during transport or cannot be delivered to the lab within 2 hours.
Volume: 100ml is optimal
Minimum Volume: Obtain as much as clinical judgement allows.
Temperature: Room temperature if delivered to lab within 2 hours of collection; refrigerate if specimen cannot be in lab within 2 hours. Some specimens may have fixative added if specimen cannot be delivered within 2 hours and cannot be refrigerated during transport. Call lab for assistance at 615-322-2721.
Reasons for Rejection: Mislabeled specimen, specimen received in a glass container, received in syringes with needles, specimen leaked out in transit, insufficient fluid for processing.
Days Performed: Monday - Friday; closed major Holidays.
Times Performed: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
TAT: 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) for cases without cell block or special stains; cases with cell block or special stains may require a longer turn-around time.
Significance: Need patient history of prior or suspected malignancy; i.e., carcinoma, melanoma, lymphoma, etc.
Special Instructions: 1. Place Epic order for Cytology Non-Gyn/FNA. 2. Indicate specimen source when completing the collection task in Epic. 3. Specimen vial is to be labeled with lab ready label. 4. Please send Epic requisition and specimen vial to the lab. Please call the lab at 615-322-2721 for assistance.
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