Test Code 00012 Cytology, Ascitic Fluid
Methodology
Includes THIN PREP® preparation, 1 air-dried smear, 1 direct smear preparation, cell block preparation (if adequate material), Papanicolaou and Diff-Quik staining, and microscopic cytologic evaluation.
Specimen Requirements
Container/Tube: Plastic container(s)
Specimen Volume: >10 mL and a maximum of 500 mL of ascitic fluid. Do NOT send >500 mL of fluid.
Collection Instructions:
1. If collected with a needle and syringe, remove needle and cap syringe. Do NOT send syringe with needle attached.
2. Label container (not lid)/syringe with patient’s legal name, date of birth, date and time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Refrigerate fresh specimen after collection.
Note: Specimen source, patient’s name, age, and sex are required.
Forms: “Cytology Requisition” (Listed in Special Instructions)
.
Specimen Retention Time
Two weeks from received date
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Friday
Maximum Laboratory Time
5-10 days from received date
Specimen Stability
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
Fluid | Refrigerate | ASAP |
Ambient | NO | |
Frozen | NO |
Reference Values
Negative for malignant cells
Performing Laboratory
Logan Health Medical Center Laboratory
Test Classification and CPT Coding
88108
Special Instructions
Note: Complete ALL information including specimen source and all pertinent clinical data (clinical symptoms, history of malignancy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and tentative diagnosis) and forward with specimen.