Cytopathology - Body Cavity Fluids / Washings
Alternate DescriptionAscites / Plural / Pericadial / Peritoneal / Cul de sac / Pelvic Washings
Availability8 AM to 5 PM weekdays / Technical staff is not available from 5 PM to 8 AM on weekdays, weekends or holidays.
Cytology
Fluid TypeBody Cavity
Screening and diagnostic interpretation
Specimen Tube Type TransportSpecimens should be submitted to the laboratory promptly in the fresh state (unfixed). A sterile 90 ml container is acceptable at room temperature.
Summary Test NameAscites Fluid - Cytology
Transport TimeDeliver to the lab as soon as possible at room temperature
Specimen Preparation OutreachRefrigerate until picked up by courier.
Specimen StabilityExfoliated cells deteriorate in effusions both inside and outside the body. This deterioration is especially rapid in the presence of blood. If clotting occurs, diagnostic material may be trapped in the fibrin network and will be unavailable for satisfactory examination.
Minimum VolumeNot to exceed 1000 ml
Specimen TransportDeliver specimens to the Cytopathology Laboratory (C7630), Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM, or place in the Surgical Pathology/Cytology refrigerator outside H2349.
Specimen Preparation In HouseSpecimens should be submitted to the laboratory promptly in the fresh state (unfixed).
Stat AvailabilitySTAT requests should be kept to a minimum. All STAT requests must be approved by a staff pathologist, and the cytology laboratory notified as soon as possible whenever a STAT is anticipated.
Test Turnaround Time Routines And StatsResults on non-GYN are generally available by 5 PM on the day the specimen is accessioned and processed (which is usually the day after specimen collection), unless special stains or other diagnostic procedures are required. Specimens received after 7 AM on Friday and those collected on weekends will be accessioned and processed on Monday. Specimens collected on a holiday will be processed on the next work day. STAT's received in the laboratory by Noon on weekdays will usually be approved. Specimens received after 3 PM on weekdays, at night, weekends and holidays will be accepted only under special circumstances. Turn-around-time for STAT results varies from 1 hour to 4 hours.
Patient PreparationMove patient in several different positions in order to well suspend the cellular material in the fluid to be collected. Perform collection according to sterile techniques.