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HelpTest Code LABCNONG Cytology, Effusions/Body Fluid
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
Body cavity effusions can be benign or malignant but are always pathologic. Body cavity effusions are either transudates or exudates. Transudates are usually benign and due to mechanical factors (increased hydrostatic pressure, decreased oncocytic pressure) and exudates can be malignant due to serous membrane damage. (Demay, Exfoliative cytology pg 269).
Specimen Requirements
Specimen source is required.
For best results, specimen must arrive as soon as possible after collection.
Specimen Type: Pericardial effusion/fluid, peritoneal effusion/fluid, pleural effusion/fluid
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 minmum, 100 mL. Record total volume collected in comments.
Fixative: None
Amount of Fixative: N/A
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 -
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.