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HelpTest Code 00016 Cytology, Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA), Miscellaneous
Methodology
Includes Diff-Quik® and Papanicolaou staining of smears, THIN PREP® preparation, cell block preparation (if appropriate), and microscopic cytologic examination.
Useful primarily for the detection of malignancy and certain inflammatory conditions.
In many cases, an open biopsy is no longer required.
Specimen Requirements
Container/Tube: CYTOLYT® Preservative Fluid vial and 6 to 8 slides
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen
Collection Instructions:
1. Using lead pencil, label frosted ends of 6 to 8 slides
with patient’s legal name and date of birth.
2. Using a needle and syringe, aspirate material.
3. Place 1 drop of aspirated material near frosted end of
slide.
4. Use a separate clean glass slide to evenly smear out
material.
5. Immediately place slide(s) into labeled Coplin jar filled
with 100% ethanol fixative.
6. Repeat procedure for every slide. Leave 1 prepared slide
to air-dry. If aspirate is from a lymph node, leave at least 2
prepared slides to air-dry.
7. Rinse syringe in CYTOLYT® Preservative Fluid vial.
8. Label vial (not lid) with patient’s legal name, date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection.
Special Note:
Label Coplin jar with 2 patient identifiers such as name, birthdate, Social Security number, or unique 7 digit requisition identifying number.
Note: Specimen source, patient’s name, age, and sex are required.
Forms: “Cytology Requisition” (Listed in Special Instructions)
.
Core Biopsy
Container/Tube: Container with formalin
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen
Collection Instructions:
1. If a core biopsy for pathology is also obtained, place core in container with formalin.
2. Label container (not lid) with patient’s legal name,
date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of
collection.
Note: Specimen source, patient’s name, age, and sex are required.
Forms: “Pathology 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
Ambient
Reference Values
Negative for malignant cells
Performing Laboratory
Logan Health Medical Center Laboratory
Test Classification and CPT Coding
88173
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