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Test Code 00020 Cytology, Pleural Fluid

Methodology

Includes THIN PREP® preparation, 1 air-dried smear, 1 direct smear preparation, cell block preparation (if adequate material), Papanicolaou and Diff-Quik staining, and microscopic cytologic evaluation.

Performing Laboratory

Logan Health Medical Center Laboratory

Specimen Requirements

 

Container/Tube: Plastic container(s)
Specimen Volume: >10 mL and a maximum of 500 mL of pleural fluid. Do NOT send >500 mL of fluid.

 

Collection Instructions:

 

1. If collected with a needle and syringe, remove needle and cap syringe. Do NOT send syringe with needle attached.

2. Label container (not lid)/syringe with patient’s legal name, date of birth, date and time of collection, and type of specimen.

3. Refrigerate fresh specimen after collection.

 

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
FLUID-Fresh Refrigerate ASAP
  Ambient  
  Frozen NO

Reference Values

Negative for malignant cells

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Friday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

88108

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