Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) with Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE) Cytology

Testing Laboratory

Department

Cytology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

NGYN

Test Code (Numeric Code)

9032

Laboratory Handling

Transport

Send specimens to the laboratory immediately after collection. If immediate transport is not possible, store at 4°C (approximately 3–6°C).

Sample Stability

Refrigeration of fresh specimens temporarily preserves cells by slowing their metabolic processes

Synonyms

Cytology, FNA Cytology, FNA, ROSE

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

To arrange for a cyto-pathologist to attend or perform a fine needle aspiration (FNA), please contact the Anatomical Pathology Secretary on extension 21767, Monday to Friday. Advance booking is suggested as a cytopathologist availability is limited.
Freehand FNAs can be performed in outpatient clinics or on hospital wards. Please note that the outpatient FNA service at LabPlus is no longer available.

Additional Specimen Information

When a pathologist is unable to attend the FNA procedure, all material collected by the radiologist or physician should be rinsed into a CytoLyt centrifuge tube for thyroid FNAs, and into a sterile tube containing 2–3 mL of normal saline for all other FNAs and EBUS specimens.

Test Method

During ROSE, direct smears are prepared and stained for immediate microscopic evaluation of specimen adequacy. Where indicated, additional needle rinse specimens are collected for ancillary testing. When a cyto-pathologist or pathology registrar is requested to attend or perform a fine needle aspiration (FNA), a provisional on-site assessment may be provided. A formal diagnostic report is issued following comprehensive laboratory examination of the specimen.

Limitations / Interference

Sampling adequacy may vary depending on lesion characteristics. The number of needle passes required depends on preliminary adequacy, the suspected diagnosis, and the need for ancillary testing.
Deep-seated lesions require imaging guidance for accurate sampling.

Uncertainty of Measurement

Not Applicable

Contact Information