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Test Code Cytology FNA Cytology, FNA

Aliases

Cytology, Fine Needle Aspirate; Cytology Aspiration

Useful For

Make a diagnosis or rule out conditions such as cancer. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a type of biopsy procedure. In fine needle aspiration, a thin needle is inserted into an area of abnormal-appearing tissue. This category includes aspirations of thyroid, salivary gland, head and neck masses, lung, lymph nodes, pancreas, kidney, liver, other masses from any location sampled by fine needle aspiration.

Patient Preparation

Per physician’s protocol.

Collection Method

Collection of FNA’s varies for different specimen sites. Please call the Cytology Lab at 573-882-5992 or 573-882-1232 for specific instructions, and supplies, if needed.

Minimum Volume

See Preferred Specimen

Preferred Specimen

Preferred specimen and volumes vary with different specimen sites. Typical FNA’s will need 4 air dried smears and needle rinses in a 30 mL vial of Cytolyt and/or 20 mL vial of 10% formalin. Specimens may be entirely submitted in Cytolyt and/or 10% formalin, if desired. If lymphoma or leukemia is suspected please submit a needle rinse in 1 vial of RPMI solution.

Reference or Target Ranges

Interpretive report with results

Reportable Units

N/A

Critical Value

“Positive for Malignancy” diagnosis will prompt physician notification and cancer tracking. Other unusual/unexpected diagnoses may also trigger additional physician notification.

Reasons for Rejection



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Hemolysis Threshold
 N/A
Icterus Threshold
 N/A
Lipemia Threshold
 N/A
Other
 Specimen has leaked out of container or has been contaminated. Mislabeled or unlabeled containers or slides. Improperly handled specimens.

Specimen Stability

Specimen stability varies, please submit specimen as soon as possible after collection. Refrigerate at 2-8°C if it will be sitting overnight or longer before pick-up/delivery to lab.

Performance Information



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Days and Time Performed
 Monday-Friday, 8AM – 4PM, specimens received after 4PM may be processed the next business morning.
Expected Turn Around Time
 ≤3 days
Stat Availabilty
 Call Cytology Lab at 573-882-5992 or 573-882-1232 to request STAT
Performing Bench
 UH Cytology
Methodology/Method Description
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology.
  • Preparations made include one or more of the following depending on specimen type:

    • Thin Prep
    • Smears
    • Cytospins
    • Cell Block

  • Stains utilized include one or more of the following:
    • Papanicolaou

    • Diff Quik

    • Wright

    • H&E

    • Special/Immunohistochemical Stains.

Special Handling

If requesting a Rapid On-Site Evaluation and/or a Pathologist to perform an FNA please call 884-3515, Monday to Friday 8:00am-5:00pm. Services needed outside of these hours must be scheduled in advance by calling this number.

Additional Information/Important Notes

Deliver specimen, after placing electronic order, to UH Processing or WCH Processing 24/7. When electronic ordering is unavailable, a paper Cytology requisition must accompany the specimen.

CPT Codes

Varies by specimen. Contact billing office for more information.