University of Kentucky Hospital Cytopathology Laboratory CY 006.00

800 Rose Street; Lexington, Kentucky 40536 Effective Date: 10/1/2008

(Page 1 of 2)

General Information

CY 006.00

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Cytology Laboratory is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is located in Room HL412 University Hospital (telephone 257-3640 or 257-5077). Cytologic specimens are screened for cancer and premalignant processes as well as for certain infections. All specimens must be labeled with the patient's name and hospital number and must be accompanied by a Cytology Requisition (GYN Form H489, NON-GYN/FNA Form J002, or SCM printed requisition). The Requisition Form must contain the patient's name, hospital number, sex, date of birth, source of specimen, date specimen was collected, and the attending physician's name. Any pertinent clinical information should be listed including history of cancer, radiation, or chemotherapy. Cervical-vaginal specimens (Pap tests) also require the first day of the patient's last menstrual period, menstrual status, history of abnormal bleeding, intrauterine device (IUD), hormonal therapy, and/or other pertinent gynecologic history. Gyn ThinPreps and brushings (non-gyn) can be submitted in commercial fixative (see procedure).

Cervical-vaginal smears, smears from brushings, breast discharge smears, and smears for viral inclusions should be immediately fixed in 95% Ethanol (alcohol). Bottles of 95% Ethanol can be obtained from the wards or from PCS. Other specimens including sputums, effusions, fluids, washings, and urines should be sent fresh without fixation to the laboratory immediately. Effusions should be collected in Thoraklax bags. Fluids may be sent in these bags or plastic specimen containers. Fluids sent in Pleura-Vats or large glass bottles will not be accepted. When the laboratory is closed, specimens should be sent to the clinical laboratory. It there is any delay in submitting a fresh specimen, it must be refrigerated. If any special testing is desired such as flow cytometry analysis or special stains, indicate this on the requisition. Send a generous amount of specimen (up to 500 ml, but no less than 5 ml of an effusion) for optimal cytologic evaluation. Copies and details of laboratory procedures and methods are available on request.

If stat processing is required on a non gynecologic specimen, please call the laboratory. The attending pathologist will decide on appropriate action. Respiratory specimens submitted for stat workup of opportunistic infections also require telephone notification of the Cytology Laboratory. Stat specimens require hand delivery to the laboratory.

Fine Needle Aspirations are performed by the pathologists on superficial masses from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Aspirations performed under radiologic guidance may have assistance (make slides and assess adequacy) from the Cytology Laboratory from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call the Cytology Laboratory to schedule aspiration procedures.

If stat procedures are required in the evening or on weekends, call the pathology resident on call.

HISTORY BLOCK

Replaces: / 1
Changes: / New numbering and history/approval block format changes. Added 2nd lab phone number 257-5077, added cytology requisition form numbers

APPROVAL BLOCK:

Written by: Helen Banks/Diane Davey, MD / Date: 4/12/2006
Revised by: Helen Banks/Yolanda Brill, MD / Date: 10/1/2008
Approved by:______
Cytopathology Director / Date: ______
Annual Review
Cytopathology Director: / Date:
Date version removed from manual:
Date procedure retired:

Z:\manual\manual 2008\cy 006.00 general information.doc 2008.docm