Aspirates

Testing Laboratory

Department

Cytology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

MW NG Cyto

Test Code (Numeric Code)

9700

Laboratory Handling

Transport

Transport same day as collection, ambient temperature

Sample Stability

Ambient temperature 22-25 °C. If specimens are delayed or late in the day, please refrigerate (4 °C) and send immediately the next day.

Synonyms

Miscellaneous body fluid
Ascitic / Ascites cytology
Cytology - body cavity fluid
Effusion cytology
Pericardial fluid cytology
Peritoneal fluid cytology
Pleural fluid cytology
Synovial fluid
Bursa fluid
Joint fluid

Turnaround Time

5 days

80% completed within 5 days

Specimen Type

• Aspirate
• Fluid Other
• Pleural Fluid

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Specimen Container

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

300

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

100

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Specimen Container

Pre-testing Requirements

Labelling Requirements:
· Both container and the request form must be labelled with at least two patient identifiers (e.g., Full name, date of birth or NHI number).
· Site of specimen is also required.
· A matching requisition form must accompany the specimen container detailing relevant clinical details including any relevant previous details.
· Indicate clearly if microbiology testing is required, the sample will go to Awanui first before being tested at APS.

Asipirates/fluids should be collected in a screw-capped container. Please ensure that the cap is closed to ensure specimen does not leak in transit.

Additional Specimen Information

The operational hours for the Non-Gynae preparation area is 8am-4.30pm Monday to Friday, do not send specimens after hours.

Test Method

Aspirate specimens are received and processed using concentration techniques (eg. centrifugation). Preparations include direct smears or cytospin slides. Cell blocks may be prepared to allow histological assessment and ancillary testing (e.g. immunocytochemistry).
For joint fluids, additional examination (e.g. polarised light microscopy for crystals) may be performed where indicated.
Slides are stained using routine cytological stains (e.g. Papanicolaou ± Romanowsky).
Cytological examination of slides is done by a pathologists and cytology scientist/technician under a microscope.

Limitations / Interference

Sensitivity may be reduced in low-volume or paucicellular samples, or where tumour cells are not shed into the fluid. Reactive mesothelial cells can mimic malignancy, and prior therapy (e.g. chemotherapy) may alter cytomorphology.
Delays in transport or processing may result in cellular degeneration.
Blood contamination and poor fixation/preparation may also impact interpretation.

Uncertainty of Measurement

Uncertainty of measurement is not applicable to Non Gynaecological Cytology as this is a qualitative, interpretative test.

Give clinical particulars on the requisition form including any history of neoplasia and therapy, asbestos exposure, pulmonary infarct, congestive heart failure and relevant radiological findings.

Resources

• APSMGMTCUSTIN012 Eligibility Requirements for Laboratory Referrals
• NREGLLIN002 Completing a Lab Request Form

Contact Information