Fluid Non-Gynae Cytology
Non- Gynae Cytopathology
Notes
- These samples are obtained from patients that are in hospital either directly by the use of a syringe or from a tap.
- This collection technique includes the following sample types:-
- Ascitic fluid
- Ovarian Cyst fluid
- Pericardial fluid
- Peritoneal washings
- Pleural fluid
- Renal cyst fluid
- Miscellaneous cyst/fluid
Sample Requirements
- 25ml sterile universal or larger volume sterile containers for larger volumes of fluid.
- Anticoagulant is not required in these samples.
- DO NOT SEND DRAIN BAGS TO THE LABORATORY. They are not designed to survive transport - a fresh sample collected directly from the drain is preferable. If taking from a drain bag mix the contents well before transferring a sample to a sterile plain universal (white top).
- If aspirating fluid with syringe transfer sample to pot with minimal pressure to avoid damage to cells.
Storage/Transport
- Store at fridge temperature.
- Transport as soon as possible at ambient temperature.
Required Information
- All samples must be accompanied by a yellow non gynae cytology request form. The completion of the form and the labelling of the sample must conform to the Policy for Specimen and Request Form Labelling for Pathology Users.
Turnaround Time
- Routine non-gynaecological samples will be reported within 5 working days.
- In cases when more complex pathology requires further laboratory investigations or referral for expert opinion a provisional report will be issued within the above time scale to be followed by a further complete supplementary report.
- Urgent non-gynaecological samples will be reported within one working day of receipt.
- For a sample to be treated as urgent the laboratory must be notified on Cheltenham 0300 422 4219.