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Cytology - Body Cavity Effusions/Fluids

Alternative Names:Ascitic Fluid for Cytology
Pleural Fluid for Cytology
Pericardial Fluid for Cytology
Peritoneal Fluid for Cytology
Thoracic Cavity Fluid for Cytology
Laboratory:Anatomical Pathology
Test Code:Various codes available - see Procedure Manual
Specimen Types:Fluid
Container Types:
See Detailed Information
Collection & Request Instructions:

Body Cavity Effusion Fluids for Cytology

 

All body cavity fluids should be submitted fresh and unfixed to provide optimal cytological preservation. Cytology requires as much fluid as possible. For cytological analysis, a minimum of 50ml of fluid is recommended, up to 2 liters, as there is no maximum limit. Low cellularity specimens would need a large volume of fluid to ensure adequate cellular material for comprehensive cytological testing, including the preparation of cell blocks for immunohistochemical analysis.

It is more preferred that Pleural fluids, ascitic (peritoneal) fluids, and pericardial fluids be put into leak proof specimen containers. These containers are available from the Cytology laboratory.

 

Collection Technique

  1. Label container(s) before procedure with the patient’s ID including patient's name, hospital number and source of specimen.
  2. Collect body fluid in labeled, leak-proof container.
  3. Place labeled container in a sealable Biohazard specimen bag.
  4. Send the entire specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible.

 

Note*: Pleur-Evac chest drainage system units are NOT PREFERRED for Cytology specimen analysis, as the dye may contaminate the specimen during retrieval. Therefore, thoracic fluid sampling for Cytology should be accomplished by other means, such as via ATS bag connection if possible.

 

Transport Instructions between Sites and/or Laboratories:Room Temperature
Use Esky from SDMH or CGMC to Alfred
Assay Frequency:Weekdays