Cytopathology

Fine Needle Aspiration

(Clinician obtains sample)

Synonyms: FNA, needle aspiration, transbronchial needle aspiration, percutaneous needle aspiration.
Performing lab: Cytopathology (N018) Ext: 4-1550
Availability: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Turnaround time: One to two working days.
Specimen type: Fine needle aspiration (breast, lung, liver, thyroid, pancreas, lymph node, salivary gland, etc.)
Container: Slide folders, 15 mL containers with RPMI (refrigerated) and other smear making materials are provided by the cytopathology laboratory.
Volume: 1-20 slide(s)
Minimum volume: 1 slide

Call the cytopathology laboratory (984-1550) in advance to schedule procedure with pathologist and/or cytotechnologist for slide preparation with or without rapid adequacy evaluation.
Wait for pathologist or cytotechnologist to arrive before procuring the aspirate, or the sample may clot within the needle or syringe.
Prepare an equal number of air-dried smears and alcohol or spray-fixed smears.
Upon completion of making smears, rinse needle in the RPMI provided by the laboratory.

Slides prepared on site must have two identifiers (patient name, MR #, birthdate, etc) and should be sent to the laboratory in a slide folder. Only labeling the slide holder is not acceptable.
Fresh cytologic specimens (needle rinse) should be submitted in RPMI and labeled with printed barcoded labels.
They should be placed in a biohazard bag and transported with the printed requisition to the Cytology Laboratory, N018,
Logged in and placed on the top shelf of the refrigerator

Complete the Non-Gyn cytology order in Epic to include pertinent history, prior diagnostic/therapeutic procedures, X-ray, clinical findings and results of prior surgeries and, if possible, a differential diagnosis.
Outreach facilities should use the preprinted “University Outreach Pathology Requisition” and submit with the sample.
Indicate request for additional special stains or other procedures.
Indicate if body fluid precautions are necessary.