Fine Needle Aspirate Rinse (referring doctor)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Cytology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

MW FNA

Test Code (Numeric Code)

9343

Laboratory Handling

Transport

Transport to laboratory as soon as possible

Sample Stability

Deliver to lab ASAP If specimens are delayed or late in the day, please refrigerate (4 degrees Celsius) and send immediately the next day.

Synonyms

FNA - Referring Doctor collected specimen
Cytology - Fine Needle Aspirate rinse
Cytology - FNA rinse
FNA rinse, cytology

Turnaround Time

5 days

Specimen Type

• Aspirate

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Slide(s)
• Specimen Container

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Slide(s)
• Specimen Container

Pre-testing Requirements

Specimens (including slides) MUST be properly labelled with patient details - full name and NHI or full name and date of birth, and accompanied with a matching request form.

Please ensure that the tubes/pottles are fully closed to ensure specimen does not leak in transit.

Additional Specimen Information

APS is able to provide technical and / or professional assistance, phone (09) 639 0212

Test Method

Cytological examination of slides.

Aspirated specimens are centrifuged and cellular material is transferred onto glass slides, fixed and stained for cytological examination under a microscope.
Received slides are stained and cytologically examined under a microscope.

Some material may be made into a Cytology cellblock (plasma-thrombin clot), which can be used for ancillary studies e.g. flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry.

Limitations / Interference

FNA cytology is subject to sampling limitations, and diagnostic accuracy depends on lesion accessibility, operator technique, and adequacy of the specimen. Non-diagnostic or paucicellular samples may occur.
Cytology provides limited architectural information compared with histology, which may restrict definitive classification in some cases.
Reactive or degenerative changes may mimic malignancy, and prior treatment (e.g. chemotherapy or radiotherapy) may alter cellular features.
Blood contamination, poor smear preparation, and delays in fixation may also impact interpretation. In some cases, repeat FNA or tissue biopsy may be required for definitive diagnosis.

Unacceptable Sample: Sample collected in formalin

Uncertainty of Measurement

Uncertainty of measurement is not applicable to Fine Needle Aspirates as this is a qualitative, interpretative test.

A number of supplies for specimen testing at APS are supplied (e.g. preservcyt, request pads etc.). An editable copy of the order form can be found in the resources section below. Clearly indicate the doctor or practice name and address for delivery. Orders of APS request form pads should be placed by 5pm Tuesday for delivery the following week. Email completed forms back to AK-aps.info@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

Supply orders are transported via Awanui Couriers, allow 2-3 days for delivery - please note, no urgent service is provided.

Resources

• APSMGMTCUSTFO003 APS Supply Order Instructions
• APSMGMTCUSTFO001 APS Supply Order Form
• RCPA Manual
• APSMGMTCUSTIN012 Eligibility Requirements for Laboratory Referrals

Contact Information