Home
HelpTest Code LABCNONG Cytology, Sputum
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| CYTOLOGY, NON-GYNECOLOGIC | LABCNONG | Non-Gyn |
Useful For/Utility
Used to help diagnosis malignancy in the respiratory tract. May also detect infections. Sample must be a true sputum excretion (spontanous or induced) in order for the test to be valid.
Methodology
Microscopic evaluation of stained slides.
Clinical Information
Sputum cytology is the microscopic examination of cells found in sputum (mucus and other matter brought up from the lungs by coughing). Abnormal cells, such as lung cancer cells can be detected by performing this test. Samples are often collected early in the morning for several days to increase the likelihood of cancer detection. Diagnosis is most optimal in patients producing sputum spontaneously. A sputum sample may also be induced. There is better detection of cancer for patients with centralized lesions and large tumors.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Source is required.
For best results, specimen must arrive as soon as possible after collection.
Specimen Type: Sputum or tracheal aspirate
Unacceptable Specimen: Nasal aspirate or saliva
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Fixative: Fixative is dependent on location. See chart below.
Amount of Fixative: Between 10-15 mL
| Essentia Health Region | Cytology Liquid Fixative |
|---|---|
| SMDC Clinical Lab | CytoRich Red |
| St. Joseph's Hospital Lab | 50% Ethanol |
| Fargo Hospital Lab | Saccomanno |
Specimens should be sent fresh if micro is also ordered on same specimen.
Collection Instructions:
1. Instruct patient to rinse mouth well with water and expel to minimize contaminating specimen with food particles, mouthwash, or oral drugs.
2. Have patient remove dentures.
3. Instruct patient to take a deep breath, hold it momentarily, then cough deeply and vigorously into a screw-capped, sterile container.
4. If patient collects specimen at home, please contact the laboratory for an instruction sheet.
5. If specimen is for cytology only, cover specimen with cytology liquid fixative.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient NO/Refrigerate OK/Frozen NO
See "Resources" link for additional 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, Date of Birth, date and time of collection, and specimen source. An EPIC order label is preferred.
Indicate if single specimen is to be shared.
The following specimens are at risk of being delay and/or discarded:
-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.