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PLEURAL FLUID - CYTOLOGY (CYTO PLEURAL FLUID)
Test Mnemonic:
Specimen Requirements:

Preferred: Fresh specimens sent to the laboratory immediately
Collection:
  • Appropriate containers include capped syringes with needle removed, 1-liter vacutainer bottles.
  • This is preferable to a capped syringe, without heparin added, because it reduces the possibility of a clotted specimen.
  • Minimum fluid volume is 1 cc., but prefer 50-100 cc.
  • No more than 1-liter of fluid is needed
  • Do not add alcohol or other fixative.
Container:

Well-constructed container with secure lid and sealed plastic bag
Minimum Volume:

1 cc
Storage/Transport:

Specimen should be transported in collection containers and bags ensuring no leakage or breakage.

Specimen can be refrigerated 1-2 days. Call the laboratory if more than 2 days old.
Reference Range:
Turnaround Time:

1-3 working days; STAT: same day
Methodology:
Performed:

Specimens are accepted Monday-Friday from 8 AM-5 PM (except holidays) at Room 4.610, Clinical Services Wing (CSW). After hours specimens should be dropped off at sample managment on the 7th floor CSW
Lab:

Cytology
Synonyms:

pleural effusion
Clinical Indication:

Detection of abnormal cells and malignant cells
When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent.
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