Home
HelpCytology, Gastrointestinal Tract
Performing Laboratory
Billings Clinic LaboratoryMethodology
Includes direct smear slide preparation, 1 liquid prep, cell block preparation (washings only [if appropriate]), routine Papanicolaou staining, and microscopic cytologic examination.Useful for the diagnosis of primary or metastatic neoplasms; can aid in the diagnosis of certain infectious and nonneoplastic processes.
Specimen Requirements
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Brushings
1. Collect material on brush.
2. Clip brush into vial containing 30 mL of cytology fixative.
3. Label specimen appropriately (patient’s name, history number, and specimen source) on the container—not the lid.
Note: 1. Do not apply excessive pressure when smearing material onto slide.
2. Please complete a “Reference Pathology/Non-Gynecologic Cytology Request Form” in “Request Forms” in “Special Instructions” including specimen source and all pertinent clinical data (clinical symptoms, history of malignancy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and tentative diagnosis), and forward it with the specimen.
Washings
1. Collect at least 5 mL of saline washings of the lesion into a vial containing 30 mL of cytology fixative.
2. Label specimen appropriately (patient’s name, history number, and specimen source) on the container—not the lid.
Note: Please complete a “Reference Pathology/Non-Gynecologic Cytology Request Form” in “Request Forms” in “Special Instructions” including specimen source and all pertinent clinical data (clinical symptoms, history of malignancy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and tentative diagnosis), and forward it with the specimen.
Reference Values
Descriptive diagnosis of microscopic findings are generally categorized as positive, inconclusive, or negative for malignancy.Nondiagnostic or unsatisfactory results are given when material is inadequate for a diagnostic interpretation.