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HelpTest Code LABCNONG Cytology, Washing
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| CYTOLOGY, NON-GYNECOLOGIC | LABCNONG | Non-Gyn |
Useful For/Utility
Differentiate between benign and malignant processes, determinine primary vs. metastatic disease, aid in diagnosis of infectious and inflammatory disease.
Methodology
Microscopic examination performed.
Clinical Information
Washings are performed by injecting a sterile solution (usually saline) into a specific area of the body. This procedure results in exfoliated cells. These cells are evaluated for pathological conditions that can cause reactive changes. Specimens should be sent to the laboratory quickly because these specimens are at risk of cellular degeneration or bacterial growth which may also lead to inadequate results. Lack of diagnostic cellular material within a sample and treatment from chemotherapy and/or radiation can lead to erroneous results. Comparing washings and surgical pathology specimens is a helpful approach and should be attempted to avoid diagnositic errors.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen source is required.
For best results, specimen must arrive as soon as possible after collection.
Specimen Type: Body cavity washing,bronchial washing (any body site except bladder)
(BLADDER WASHINGS see LABURINECYTO)
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Preferred volume of 60-100 mL Note: If total volume is greater than 1L, then send approx. 10% of total volume or at minimum, 100 mL. Record total volume collected in comments.
Fixative Requirements
| Essentia Health Region |
Cytology Fixative |
Fixative Volume |
|---|---|---|
| St. Joseph's Hospital Lab | 50% Ethanol | 50/50 ratio fluid to fixative |
| SMDC Clinical Lab | CytoRIch Red | 50/50 ratio fluid to fixative |
| Fargo Hosptial Lab | Saccomanno Fixative | 50/50 ratio fluid to fixative |
NOTE: Specimens being transported from outside facility- Fresh (No fixative) Specimens should be sent fresh if micro is also ordered on same specimen.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient NO/Refrigerate OK/Frozen NO
See "Resources" link for additional transport information (Cytology Specimen Regional Transport Table)
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Friday
Performing Laboratory
Cytology -
St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab
SMDC Clinical Lab
Fargo Hospital Lab
Test Classification and CPT Coding
Variable dependent upon processing technique.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Additional Information
Container must have the patient’s full name, Medical Record Number or Date of Birth, provider's name, date and time of collection, and specimen source. An EPIC order label is preferred.
The following specimens are at risk of being discarded and/or delayed:
-Spilled specimen
-No requisition form or EPIC order
-Name on requisition or EPIC order does not match name on specimen
-Unlabeled specimen
-No provider name given
Place specimen in a plastic specimen bag with request form (if present) inserted into the pocket separate from specimen.