Cytopathology - Fat Pad Aspiration (for amyloid staining)
Availability7 AM to 10 PM weekdays/ Technical staff is not available from 10 PM to 7AM on weekdays, weekends or holidays.
STAT 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.
Screening and diagnostic interpretation
Summary Test NameFat Pad Aspiration - Cytology
Transport TimeDeliver to the lab as soon as possible at room temperature
Specimen TransportDeliver specimens to the Clinical Laboratory Specimen Processing Area on the ground level of main hospital.
Specimen Preparation In HouseSee "Patient Preparation Section" above. Perform aspiration using a 21 gauge (no smaller) needle with suction applied through a syringe; use a syringe holder (Cameco handle) is optional. Have an assistant apply pressure on the biopsy site while you are preparing slides. Express material onto a clean COATED GLASS SLIDE (see Special Handling Section below). Apply a second slide on top of the first and gently smear the material in a circular manner, then lift the top slide away from the bottom. Air dry both slides. Repeat procedure until you have collected several small tissue fragments (not just fatty liquid material). Submit to the Cytology Lab for processing, requesting Congo Red / Sirius Red staining.
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.
Patient PreparationUse of local anesthetic is recommended for this procedure as multiple aspirations using suction will be performed. After cleansing one or two sites on the abdomen below the level of the umbilicus, inject a small amount (0.5 cc) of 1% lidocaine.
Additional Test InformationIn cases of suspected dysproteinemia, an aspiration of the abdominal fat pad can provide fragment of adipose tissue for Congo Red staining. This method is equal to rectal biopsy and is less uncomfortable for the patient.