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Test Code 00018 Cytology, Miscellaneous Lesion

Methodology

Includes Papanicolaou stain, slide preparation by THIN PREP® and/or Tzanck smear preparation, and microscopic cytologic examination.

Useful for detection of viral inclusions, inflammatory processes, and fungal infections.

Performing Laboratory

Logan Health Medical Center Laboratory

Specimen Requirements

DRY LESION

 

Container/Tube: Vial with CYTOLYT® fixative

Specimen Volume: Entire specimen


Collection Instructions:

1. If lesion appears dry (eg, blisters), scrape gently but firmly with a wooden spatula.

2. Deposit material from spatula or swab directly into vial with CYTOLYT® fixative.

3. Label vial (not lid) with patient’s legal name, date of birth, specimen source, and date and time of collection.

 

Note: Specimen source, patient’s name, age, and sex are required

 

Forms: “Cytology Requisition” (Listed in Special Instructions)

 

 

MOIST LESION

 

Container/Tube: 2 to 4 slides

Specimen Volume: Entire specimen


Collection Instructions:

 

Note: Crushed or air-dried smears are of limited diagnostic value. Gentle smearing and immediate fixation are imperative.

 

1. If lesion appears moist or purulent, swab material using a cotton swab.

2. Smear material directly onto glass slide. Immediately place prepared slide in 100% ethanol fixative, or spray with Cytospray® fixative.

3. Label slides with patient’s legal name and date of birth.

 

Note: Specimen source, patient’s name, age, and sex are required.

 

Forms: “Cytology Requisition” (Listed in Special Instructions)

 

Maximum Laboratory Time

5-10 days from received date

Specimen Stability

 

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Fresh Refrigerate ASAP
Fixative Ambient 2-3 days
  Frozen NO

Reference Values

An interpretive report will be provided.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Friday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

88104

Special Instructions

Note: Complete ALL information including specimen source and all pertinent clinical data (clinical symptoms, history of malignancy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and tentative diagnosis) and forward with specimen

Specimen Retention Time

Two weeks from received date