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HelpTest Code LABURINECYTO Cytology, Bladder Washing or Urine
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code |
|---|---|
| CYTOLOGY, URINE | LABURINECYTO |
Useful For/Utility
Urine cytology is a test to look for abnormal cells in urine or washings of the urinal tract. It is used with other tests and procedures to diagnose urinary tract cancers, most often bladder cancer, or confirm the presence of infectious or inflammatory disease or crystals. When ordering urine cytology it is important to specify the type of collection method used (voided, cath, ileal conduit)
Methodology
Microscopic evaluation of stained slides
Clinical Information
A urine cytology test is used to find abnormal or malignant cells, a viral infection, or inflammation of your urinary tract. A urine cytology test might be done for any of these symptoms: blood in your urine, difficulty urinating, pain with urination or burning with urination.
Although first-morning urine collection specimens are theoretically more cellular, they are not a good cytology specimen owing to degenerative changes in epithelial cells. Therefore, specimens collected after the first-morning void are better for cytologic evaluation. Urine from a collection bag should not be submitted due to similar degenerative cellular changes.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen must arrive as soon as possible after collection.
Specimen source is required.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Bladder washing; or Urine, catheterized; or Urine, clean-catch, midstream; or Ileal Conduit
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Preferred volume of 30-60 mL
Fixative: If there is a delay >24 hours in delivery, please add fixative. Fixative is dependent on location. (See chart below).
Fixative Amount: If fixative is required due to delay in delivery, please add equal amount to specimen collected (50:50).
| Essentia Health Region | Cytology Liquid Fixative |
|---|---|
| East | CytoRich Red |
| Brainerd Lakes | 50% Ethanol |
| West | Saccomonno |
Collection Instructions: Do not overfill
Urine, Catheterized
1. Avoid sending urine that has remained stagnant in catheter tubing for any length of time; do not send catheter bag urine; and avoid sending urine from catheters that have been in place longer than 5 to 9 days.
2. Clean catheter with an alcohol sponge, puncture with sterile needle, and collect in a sterile syringe.
Urine, Clean-Catch, Midstream
See attached document: Instructions for CVMS Urine Collection
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 depending on processing technique.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Additional Information
Container must have the patient’s name, Medical Record Number, 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 and/or add an equal amount of cytology liquid fixative to the specimen.
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.
Instructions for CVMS Urine Collection - See "Resources" link for additional information