A range of cellular preparation methods are used to evaluate specimens received from a variety of body sites including the head and neck, respiratory tract, urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract and breast. Specimens received include fresh fluids, directly prepared smears, fine needle aspirate preparations, needle rinses, saline-washings and small brush specimens.
Gynae cytology specimens are no longer screened at James Cook or Friarage hospitals. Samples are processed at either North Tees University Hospital or York General Hospital depending on sender location.
This page includes information on:
Request forms
All patient, sender, location, specimen type and clinical details MUST be completed. Failure to do so will result in specimen processing delays.
Cytology request formSpecimen containers
All specimen containers must be labelled with a minimum of two clear patient identifiers. This includes the patient’s full name and one other (hospital number, DOB or NHS number) identifier. Failure to do so will result in specimen processing delays.
Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) slides, Dab or other clinic directly prepared smears
All slides must be labelled clearly in PENCIL ONLY and include a minimum of two patient identifiers. These details must include the patient’s full name (first name and surname) and one other patient identifier (hospital number, DOB or NHS number). Failure to do so will result in specimen processing delays.
When a fixative agent (dropper or spray) is used slides must be labelled as being fixed (F) and when left to air-dry without fixative (A) to determine subsequent appropriate staining technique. Failure to do so will result in specimen processing delays.
Please note
When more than one lesion/site is sampled, the specimens MUST have a suitable suffix A, B etc to identify the site of origin of the sample or L/R to determine Left or Right side. The suffix MUST be clearly identified ON EACH CLINIC PREPARED SLIDE along with the patient identification details and whether the slide is fixed or air-dried. Clinic prepared slides not holding this information will be returned to source for re-labelling.
CytoLyt® Fluid
Vials of CytoLyt solution are available from the laboratory on request. This solution is a TOXIC agent and is for in vitro use ONLY.
Test information
- Failure to use correct method may result in inability to perform test or substantial delays in reporting
- During laboratory working hours all fresh unfixed specimens must be sent to the laboratory without delay
- Any specimens received out of hours will be refrigerated before next day sample processing
| Test Name | Specimen Container/Slides | Further Information | General Processing Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ascitic Fluid | Plain universal container | Minimum specimen volume of 25mls | 1x ThinPrep PAP slide 1x Diff-Quik slide Cell block as determined by the laboratory |
| Bladder Washings | Plain universal container/honey pot for larger samples | Minimum specimen volume of 25mls | 1x ThinPrep PAP slide |
| Bronchial Aspirates/Washings or Bronchioloalveolar Lavages | Plain universal container (50mls trap pot) | As produced | 1x ThinPrep PAP slide |
| Brush Specimens (all sites) | CytoLyt solution (available from laboratory) | Remove protective sheath from brush and place brush in to CytoLyt solution.CytoLyt® fixative fluid is a TOXIC substance and is for in vitro use only | 1x ThinPrep PAP slide |
| CSF | Plain universal container | Neuro specimens: >2mls where possible for cytological examination | 2x Diff-Quik slides |
| CSF | Plain universal container | Haematology specimens: | 2x unstained Cytospin slides prepared for Haematology reporting |
| CSF | Plain universal container | Flow Cell Cytometry: | NOT PROCESSED IN CYTOLOGY Separate sample and request form to be sent to Haematology for flow cytometry requests |
| Cyst Fluid (all sites) | Plain universal container | N/A | 1xThinPrep PAP slide 1x Diff-Quik slide |
| Fine needle aspirates (FNA’s) | When more than one lesion/site is sampled, the specimens MUST have a suitable suffix A, B etc to identify the site of origin of the sample or L/R to determine Left or Right side. The suffix MUST be clearly identified ON EACH CLINIC PREPARED SLIDE along with the patient identification details and whether the slide is fixed or air-dried. Clinic prepared slides not holding this information will be returned to source for re-labelling. | Label in PENCIL only Two patient identifiers required: Patients full name plus one other Slides must be labelled as fixed (F) or air-dried (A) depending on slide preparation method | Fixed slides – PAP stain Air-dried slides – Diff-Quik stain |
| Needle Rinses | CytoLyt® solution(available from laboratory) | At the end of the FNA procedure needles are rinsed in CytoLyt solution and sent to the laboratory for processingCytoLyt® fixative fluid is a TOXIC substance and is for in vitro use only | 1x ThinPrep PAP slide/or cell block as determined by the laboratory |
| Peritoneal Fluid | Plain universal container | Minimum specimen volume of 25mls | 1x ThinPrep PAP slide 1x DiffQuik slide Cell block as determined by the laboratory |
| Peritoneal Washings | Plain universal container | Minimum specimen volume of 25mls | 1x ThinPrep PAP slide1x DiffQuik slide Cell block as determined by the laboratory |
| Pleural Fluid | Plain universal container | Minimum specimen volume of 25mls | 1x ThinPrep PAP slide 1x DiffQuik slide Cell block as determined by the laboratory |
| Sputum | Plain universal sputum container *Please see sputum comment below | As produced | 1x ThinPrep PAP slide |
| Urine (cytology) | Plain universal container | Minimum specimen volume of 25mls | 1x Cytospin prep And/Or 1x ThinPrep PAP as required |
| Vitreous Fluid | Plain universal container/syringe (with needle removed) | Fresh unfixed material to be sent | Specimens are sent off site for reporting |
Sputum cytology
Sputum cytology has a very low sensitivity for the detection of malignancy and a negative cytology result does not exclude cancer. If the patient has a high probability of malignancy but is unable to tolerate other investigative procedures such as bronchoscopy, three separate samples sent on different days are advised to increase the test sensitivity.
Turnaround times
Estimated turnaround times for non-gynaecological cases, excluding immunohistochemistry and other further work:
- Reported within 5 days of collection: For urgent cytology cases where there is clinical suspicion of cancer, two week rule cases, or for urgent reporting for close MDT date
- Reported within 10 days of collection: All other cytology cases