Cytopathology - Cyst Fluid (all body sites)
Availability8 AM to 5 PM weekdays / Technical staff is not available from 5 PM to 8 AM on weekdays, weekends or holidays.
Cytology
Fluid TypeCyst Fluid
Screening and diagnostic interpretation
Summary Test NameSynovial Fluid -Cytology
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 HouseCyst fluid is generally collected by the techniques used for fine needle aspiration (see FNA section of this manual). Cyst aspiration is performed by the same techniques used for fine needle aspiration,SEE on-line LAB POLICY MANUAL, pages 103 through 105. If only a small amount of fluid is aspirated, it can be treated in the manner listed for nipple discharge - SEE CYTOPATHOLOGY, NIPPLE DISCHARGE SECTION OF THIS ON_LINE MANUAL. If a larger amount of fluid is obtained and a cytotechnologist or pathologist is not present to handle the specimen, the cyst fluid should be delivered FRESH to the Cytopathology Laboratory (C7630), Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM, or place in the Surgical Pathology/Cytology refrigerator outside H2349. NOTE: After aspirating the cyst, if a palpable mass remains, it should be re-aspirated by the techniques listed in the fine needle aspiration section (see LAB POLICY MANUAL referenced above).
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.
Additional Test InformationCyst fluid is generally collected by the techniques used for fine needle aspiration (see FNA section of this manual). Ideally this collection is performed with a cytotechnologist and/or pathologist in attendance to handle and process the specimen.