Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

Slides Use clean slides and clearly label the frosted end in pencil with the patient’s name, D.O.B and hospital or NHS no. Slides must not be labelled using pen as this can be removed during the staining process. Spread the sample by rolling the brush along the slide and immediately fix with an alcohol based spray fixative to preserve the material. Allow the slides to dry for a few minutes and place in a slide carrier, ensuring that they are separated within the grooves inside the slide carrier before transportation to the laboratory. "Brush washings Brushes used for sample collection must be thoroughly rinsed in 10ml of CytoLyt® (BHH) or 10ml Cytorich Red (QEHB) fixative solution as soon possible after collection (and preparation of slides if required). No other fixative solution may be used as this adversely affects sample preparation. Any delay may compromise both the quality and the quantity of diagnostic material shed from the sampling brush into the vial. Please ensure the brush is fully immersed in fixative. See above for sample container and request form labelling requirements."

Minimum volume required

Brush to be rinsed in 10 ml of Cytolyt® solution (BHH) or 10 ml Cytorich Red solution (QEHB)

Special requirements

Any samples taken from patients identified as having high risk pathogens e.g HIV , Hepatitis B, TB must be clearly labelled to ensure safe handling by Cytology staff.

Patient preparation

For taking samples we recommend that users follow their local protocols

Sample viability

Fixed samples should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection to minimise cellular degradation. If there is a delay in delivery of the sample to the laboratory, the samples do not have to be refrigerated until transport can be arranged.

Turnaround time

80% samples reported in 7 days and 90% in 14 days. For urgent samples, earlier reporting can be requested.

Reference range

N/A

Clinical guidance

Diagnostic/ non gynaecological Cytology specialises in the microscopic evaluation of fluids in the identification of benign and malignant conditions. Samples are collected using various techniques which obtain exfoliated cells from different sites in the body. Techniques include: •Collection of body fluids which contain naturally exfoliated cells e.g. urines, sputum, body cavity fluids •Use of brushes or washes to encourage removal of cells from tissue surfaces e.g bronchial brushing/ washing. •For lesions that can not be easily accessed using exfoliative methods, fine needle aspiration (FNA) can be used where a needle is used to access a lesion and remove cells using a syringe. The Cytology department uses the following investigative techniques: • Liquid based cytology (Hologic) • Direct spreads • Cytospins • Cell block preparation • Papanicolaou and May Grunwald Giemsa staining • Immunocytochemistry, molecular or special stains ancillary testing, if required.

Notes

The following consumables can be ordered by contacting the BHH Cytology department on 0121 4241191: Universal bottles containing Cytolyt® (fixative), slides, slide carriers, orange transport bags and non gynae cytology request forms. Please allow a minimum of 48 hours from request for receipt of consumables. Cytorich Red fixative can be ordered by contacting the Cytology department at QEHB on 0121 3713314 If additional tests for other pathology disciplines are required e.g. microbiology, please send a separate sample and request form to the relevant department as multiple requests sent on the same request form can result in tests being missed.