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HelpTest Code LABCNONG Cytology, Brushings
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| CYTOLOGY, NON-GYNECOLOGIC | LABCNONG | Non-Gyn |
Useful For/Utility
Utilized to aid in the diagnosis and localization of tumors in organ systems. To detect cancer and precancerous tumors and infections.
Methodology
Microscopic evaluation performed.
Clinical Information
Brushing specimens are collected by brushing the area of interest and then rolling the brush across a glass slide to search for malignant tumors.
Brushing sampling allows clinicians to sample areas that are prone to bleeding if biopsied. Areas that can be brushed may include bronchus, esophagus, and biliary duct.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen source is required.
For best results, specimen must arrive as soon as possible after collection.
Specimen Type: Brushings (any body site) and Needle Brush
Container/Tube: Glass slide and/or Brush in sterile container
Specimen Volume: Slides
Fixative: Slides- 95% alcohol or spray fixative; Brush- Saline
Amount of Fixative: Enough to cover slide(s) and/or brush
Collection Instructions:
1. Using a lead pencil, label frosted end of glass slide with patient’s name (first and last), DOB or MRN, and source of specimen.
2. Brush any visible, viable lesions and smear material evenly on glass slide.
3. Immediately place slide in a container with 95% ethanol or fix slide immediately with cytology spray fixative before slide dries. Hold spray about 12 inches away from slide.
4. The tip of the brush may be cut and placed in a labeled container
5. Place slide(s) in a labeled transport container.
Note: If the provider is wanting to order additional testing on the brushing, the brush needs to come to the lab fresh or in saline (i.e: FISH)
Specimen Transport Temperature
Slides only: Ambient OK/refrigerate NO/Frozen NO
Brush in saline: Refrigerate
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.
All pertinent clinical information must be available to the laboratory.
The following specimens are at risk of being delayed and/or discarded:
-No requisition form or EPIC order
-Name on requisition or EPIC order does not match name on specimen
-Broken slide that cannot be reconstructed
-Unlabeled specimen
-No provider name given
-Air-drying artifact
Place specimen in a plastic specimen bag with request form (if present) inserted into the pocket separate from specimen.