In this section
Non-gynae cytology specimens are either fluid based or received as smears of fine needle aspirations (FNA) or imprints of tissue biopsies on glass slides.
Specimens should be sent in sample containers of an appropriate size to adequately hold the specimen. Some specimens are received fresh, with no additives and therefore should be delivered to the department as soon as collected to prevent deterioration of the sample (see table below). Other specimens are received in cell collection fluid or a preservative such as cytorich red. These preservatives assist with preservation of the cells within the sample. In the case of thyroid aspirates some slides should be fixed using the alcohol based fixative spray and some air dried. The air dried slides are for Giemsa staining.
Cytorich red and alcohol spray fixative are both available from cytology by contacting the cytology laboratory.
Cytology samples
| Test | TAT | Sample type | Biological interval/ Clinical Decision Values | Special precautions/ information |
| Serous fluid | 7 days |  |
N/A | N/A |
| Urine | ||||
| Bronchial washings | ||||
| Bronchial-alveolar lavage | ||||
| Sputum | ||||
| Bladder washings | ||||
| Urethral washings | ||||
| Ureteric washings | ||||
| Cyst fluid | ||||
| Serous fluid | ||||
| Urine | ||||
| Bronchial washings | ||||
| Bronchial-alveolar lavage | ||||
| FNA | 7 days |
|
N/A | Cytorich red available from the cytology laboratory. |
| EUS | ||||
| Bronchial brushings | ||||
| Bile brushings | ||||
| FNA lymph node | ||||
| FNA thyroid | 7 days |
|
N/A | Cytorich red available from the cytology laboratory. |
| FNA parotid | ||||
| FNA breast | ||||
| Buccal smears | 7 days |  |
N/A | 4 fixed smear slides
Alcohol spray fixative is available from the cytology laboratory |
| Tongue smears | 7 days | |
N/A | 1 fixed smear slide |
| EBUS | 7 days |  |
Ensure 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin Histology Pot is labelled with the patient’s details before the procedure (you can use HIVE generated labels but ensure sample is only transferred when pot is correctly labelled).
cytology laboratory Please change the 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin Histology Pot every time a new station is being sampled |
Broncho-alveolar lavages (BAL)
These specimens requiring a differential cell count should be received on ice and by 5pm on working days only. This is to ensure the appropriate slide preparations can be made. The non-gynae cytology department can examine for Pneumocystis carinii on Broncho-alveolar lavage specimens if required however, the preferred method is for the sample to be sent to microbiology.
Endobronchial ultrasound guided aspirate specimens (EBUS)
These should be delivered to the department as soon as possible so that preparation of the samples can be undertaken. It is appreciated that reports are wanted on these specimens in a timely fashion for MDT discussion.
Joint fluids
Joint fluids should be sent to Cytology. For any cases where microbiology testing is also required, two separate samples should be collected and two requests made; one for cytology testing and the other for microbiology testing. Failure to request separate testing will result in a delay in cytology testing as the sample will first be sent to microbiology based at Oxford Road Campus, before being returned to the Cytology department at Wythenshawe Hospital for testing. This may lead to an erroneous result due to the delay in testing and potential degradation of the specimen.
Cervical cytology
Cervical cytology is sent to Oxford Road Campus for reporting. The contact details are:
Jacquelyn Medlock
Jacquelyn.Medlock@mft.nhs.uk
Cytology Manager
Adanna Ehirim
Adanna.Ehirim@mft.nhs.uk
Lead BMS Cytopathology
Manchester Cytology Centre
Clinical Science Building 2
Manchester Royal Infirmary
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9WL
Tel: 0161 276 5119
Fax: 0161 276 5113
(Last reviewed April 2023)