Testing Laboratory
Counties Manukau | Middlemore HospitalDepartment
Histology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
FNAS
Test Code (Numeric Code)
9039
Laboratory Handling
Transport
Specimen must be palced in Cytolyt and must be transported to the laboratory immediately at room temperature or within 24 hours, refrigerate if any delay is anticipated
Sample Stability
Specimen ideally processed immediately, if delay is anticipated stable up to 48 hours but cannot guarantee if sample may be of diagnostic value
Synonyms
cytology fnas cytology
Turnaround Time
5 days
Only performed during normal business hours, Monday to Friday
Specimen Type
- Aspirate
- Vitreous Fluid
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Please refer to Additional Information below
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Please refer to Additional Information below
Pre-testing Requirements
Specimen must be submitted in Cytolyt preservative, please use pre filled conical tubes with cytolyt. Please ring MMH cytology at 09 2760000 extn. 59495 for these tubes
If flow cytometry is required, separate sample in IMDM or saline must be submitted
If microbiology test is required, a separate sterile specimen (either NEAT or in saline) must be submitted to Microbiology
Additional Specimen Information
Place sample in 50 ml conical tubes with cytolyt preservative
FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATIONS (FNA)
The yield of diagnostic information is directly proportional to adequate aspiration technique and preparation of material.
Material aspirated for Cytology assessment only should be rinsed into Cytolyt solution (provided by the laboratory). If an infectious aetiology / lymphoproliferative disorder is a possible alternated diagnosis, please provide additional aspirated material for microbiological culture / flow cytometry (and submitted in appropriate medium). Correct and relevant clinical information must be provided and accurate labelling of specimens intended for cytology and microbiology is required. All material should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible.
RAPID ON-SITE EVALUATION (ROSE) FOR IMAGED GUIDED FNA
When a Cytopathologist is required to attend or perform a fine needle aspirate (FNA) a provisional opinion will be given regarding specimen adequacy followed by a formal report after re-examination of all the prepared material in the laboratory.
Specially trained cytoscientists may also attend ROSE for image guided FNA procedures.
Last updated: 17/04/2026