Home
HelpTest Code LABFNACYTO Cytology, Fine-Needle Aspiration
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code |
|---|---|
| CYTOLOGY, FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION | LABFNACYTO |
Useful For/Utility
Differentiate between benign and malignant processes, determine primary vs. metastatic disease, aid in diagnosis of infectious and inflammatory disease
Methodology
Microscopic evaluation of stained slides.
Clinical Information
Fine needle aspiration biopsies are often performed when a suspicious lump is found, for example a breast lump or enlarged lymph node, or if an abnormality is detected on an imaging test such as x-ray, ultrasound or mammography. Fine needle aspiration is a relatively non-invasive, less painful and quicker method when compared to other methods of tissue sampling such as surgical biopsy.
Specimen Requirements
For best results, specimen must arrive as soon as possible after collection.
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Type: Fine Needle Aspiration (any body site or organ)
Note: Thyroid specimens may include molecular testing, retain RNA vial
Container/Tube: Glass slides AND/or Sterile Container
Specimen Volume: 2 or more slides AND specimen in fixative (remainder of collection)
Fixative: Slides- 95% ethanol or cytology spray fixative AND Specimen in Sterile Container- see chart below
Amount of Fixative: Slides- Enough to cover slides; Specimen in Sterile Container- At least equal amount to specimen collected.
Collection Instructions:
1. Using a lead pencil, label frosted end of glass slide with patient’s name (first and last), DOB or MRN, and type of specimen.
2. After collecting FNA, working rapidly, disconnect syringe from needle, fill syringe with air, and reconnect needle.
3. Carefully express a small drop of aspirated material onto one end of a slide. To prevent splattering and loss of material, needle tip is brought into light contact with surface of slide. A second slide is placed on top of first slide to obtain an even spread of material, pull slides apart. Preparation of smear should be performed gently to prevent crushing of cells.
4. Place first 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.
5. Allow the second slide (matched pair to fixed) to air dry.
6. After all smears are made, rinse syringe in labeled container of Cytology liquid fixative (see chart below).
| Essentia Health Region | Cytology Liquid Fixative |
|---|---|
| East |
Thyroid FNA's-Use Surepath Preservative fluid vial All other FNA's-Use 10% Formalin |
| Central | Use 50% Ethanol |
| West | Saccomanno for all FNA specimens, including thyroid specimens |
Additional Information:
1. If an adequacy statement or immediate read is required, contact the cytology department for scheduling and assistance.
2. Container must have the patient's full name, Medical Record Number, Date of Birth, provider's name, date and actual time of collection, and specimen source. An EPIC order label is preferred.
3. If there is an overnight delay in transport, send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
4. The following specimens are at risk of being rejected:
a. No requisition form or EPIC order
b. Name on requisition or EPIC order does not match name on specimen
c. Broken slide that cannot be reconstructed
d. Unlabeled specimen
e. No provider name given
f. Air-drying artifact
4. Place specimen in a plastic specimen bag with request form (if present) inserted into the pocket separate from 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 (scheduled basis)
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
If an adequacy statement or immediate read is required, contact the cytology department for scheduling and assistance.
East: After hours, always page the pathologist on call.
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.
If there is an overnight delay in transport, send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
The following specimens are at risk of being delayed and/or rejected:
-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.
Central Use 50% Ethanol
West Use Saccomonno Fixative