Fine Needle Aspirate, X-ray – Cytology

Department

Anatomical Pathology - Cytology

Delphic Registration Code

CFNX

Synonyms

FNA X-ray

Turnaround Time

5 days

Test Code

9726

Specimen Type

• Aspirate

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Additional Specimen Information

Advanced notice: for deep seat lesions arrange with Radiology who will book with Anatomical Pathology office.
Specimen Collection Protocols:
Aspirate cells from the specimen site using a syringe needle (22g or 24g). Expel collected cellular material onto a glass slide and smear material (like a blood film). For wet-fixed smear, immediately (within 1 second) immerse the slide in 95% ethanol fixative. Leave the slide in the fixative for 20 minutes to fix the cells. For air-dried smear, allow slides to dry for 10-20 minutes. Remaining material should be rinsed into a centrifuge tube containing CytoRich Red fixative (for suspected carcinomas) or RPMI solution (for suspected lymphomas).

Specimens MUST be properly labelled with patient details - full name and NHI or full name and date of birth, and accompanied with a matching request form.

Deliver to lab ASAP

Aliquot Instructions

Interpretation

Pathologists will cytologically examine collected material and assess the morphology of the cellular material to determine the diagnosis.

Test Method

Fine Needle Aspirate performed with the aid of X-ray or ultrasound.

Specimens centrifuged and cellular material is transferred onto glass slides, fixed and stained for cytological examination under a microscope.
Surplus material may be made into a Cytology cellblock (plasma-thrombin clot) for ancillary studies e.g. special stains; immunohistochemistry.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$180.79 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

9726

Advanced notice: for deep seat lesions arrange with Radiology who will book with Anatomical Pathology office.

Immunocytochemistry or special stains if required may mean a 1-2 delay in reporting.

Specimen pottles pre-filled with CytoRich Red can be obtained from the Cytology Dept Preparation Area by calling Extn: 80583. Containers will then be sent via Orderlies.

Test-adding Cytology can be done up to 7 days on the original specimen, BUT delays in fixation may make cytological examination and interpretation difficult. A repeat sample may be advisable in this situation, if easily obtainable.

Samples are stored in a refrigerator until reported (usually within 7 days) before being discarded.

Contact Information

Enquiry Form