Cytopathology

Gynaecological cytopathology

Cervical and vaginal cells are collected in a sample bottle that contains a special preservative fluid for liquid-based cytology.

Sample bottles are available from SYNLAB.

Non-gynaecological cytopathology specimens

The majority of non-gynaecological specimens are collected and submitted for the identification of atypical cells. These include the examination of fine needle aspirations (FNA)(Aspirate flushed into the liquid containing sample bottle or smeared on the slide), sputum, bronchial lavage, mid-stream urine, and synovial fluids and other fluids collected in sterile universal bottles.

Where slides are prepared from FNA, it is important to ensure that they are labelled with the patient’s name and hospital number and that they are received in the laboratory with a completed request form. Please contact the laboratory if you require advice on preparing optimal FNA slides; slides should be sent to SYNLAB in an appropriate slide box labelled with minimum 3-point patient identification.

1. First name and surname
2. Date of birth
3. Hospital number

Please contact the laboratory if you are in any doubt as to how specimens should be sent to the laboratory for analysis. Each specimen must be labelled with the patient’s information and received with a completed
request form.