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Test ID PATH1002 Cytology, Body Fluid/Other

AKA

Bile Duct Cytology, Bile Duct Brushing, Biliary Stricture
Malignancy, Cholangiocarcinoma, Hepatobiliary Brushing, Serous
Effusions (pleural, pericardial, peritoneal), Anal Pap

Specimen Type/Requirements

Ordering Instructions:
1. **NOTE: If fish testing is desired refer to separate test
catalog entry for Cytology Biliary Brushing for FISH


Collection Instructions:
1. Gather a prefilled CytoLyt collection vial (call 701-280-4877 to order more).
2. Collect the specimen.
3. As soon as possible, cut off the brush tip and place into the CytoLyt collection vial immediately to minimize exposure to air. If additional brushings are collected from the same site repeat using the same vial. Use a new vial for each additional site. Cap vial(s).
4. Label a specimen container in the presence of the patient at the time of collection. The container label must have the following information:

  • Two unique patient identifiers (acceptable identifiers include patient’s name, medical record number, date of birth)
  • Specimen source and method of collection
  • Collection date and time

5. If submitting smears (nipple smear, tzank smear, etc.)

  • Label each charged slide with 2 patient identifiers using a alcohol and xylene resistant marker
  • Immediately fix slides in 95% alcohol. 

Specimen Volume

Preferred Volume

Body Fluids (pleural, pericardial, peritoneal/ascites): up to 200 mL specimen

CSF: send to Hematology for processing

Other Fluids/brushings: up to 100 mL specimen
Minimum Volume 10 mL  specimen

 

Stability/Transport

Room Temperature

5 days (with fixative)

1 day (without fixative)

  
Refrigerated

5 days (with fixative)

3 days (without fixative)

 Preferred for Transport
Frozen N/A  

 

Performed Test Frequency

Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:30pm.

 

Specimens received close to the 3:30pm processing cutoff may be processed the following day depending on end of day specimen volumes and stainer capabilities.

Methodology

Cytospin
Direct Smears

Cell Block (certain preparations)

Performing Lab

Sanford Laboratories Fargo-Cytology

CPT

88108: if fluid is received

88104: if only smears are received

88305: for cases with cell block

88112: for anal paps

Report Available

Results typically within 2 days from receipt into the department for specimens not requiring special stains or outside consult.