Body Fluids or Washings

 

Use of Test

Evaluation of body fluids for premalignant, malignant, inflammatory and infectious changes. Includes fluids derived from cysts, eye, endoscopic washing, pelvic washing, synovium, pericardium, peritoneum, pleura, bronchus, CSF, bladder, kidney.

Patient Preparation

As per clinician

Collection

  • Label vial with patient’s full legal name, DOB and DOS
  • Collect fluid specimens per usual technique. This may include:
    • Aspiration
    • Voided urine
    • Sputum
    • Other
  • Call lab for detailed collection
  • Place well-mixed specimen into:
    • 50mL centrifuge container
    • Urine container
    • Vacutainer
    • Non-gynecologic (NGYN) ThinPrep® vial
  • Add up to equal amounts of 50% ethanol to:
    • 50mL centrifuge container
    • Urine container
    • Vacutainer
    • No additional ethanol required for NGYN ThinPrep® vial
    • No need for more than three containers per specimen, or 150mL total
  • Close container lid tight and secure.
  • Complete requisition form.

PLEASE NOTE: Close vial cap tightly and check for possible leakage.

Specimen and Volume

Minimal Source:

  • Any amount, but prefer 20-50mL
  • If less than 5mL, okay to directly place into (NGYN) ThinPrep® vial.

Large Source:

  • Mix large amounts of fluid well
  • Aliquot 50-100mL of well-mixed solution
  • Add equal volume of 50% ethanol for mailing
  • Note the addition on the requisition form

WSLH cytology requisition form #141 must include:

  • Patient’s full legal name
  • Clinic medical record number, if available
  • Date of birth
  • Date of collection
  • Specimen source
  • Clinic, clinician name, clinic address, phone and fax number
  • Pertinent clinical history
  • Payment information

Diagnostic Range

  • Negative for malignant cells
  • Atypical cells
  • Suspicious for malignancy
  • Positive for malignancy
  • Non-diagnostic/unsatisfactory for evaluation

Limitations

Abnormal findings must be correlated with history and other test results. Certain fluids or washings require minimal amounts of local cells present to determine adequacy. Without an adequate number of locally expected cells, the specimen may be rendered unsatisfactory or non-diagnostic. Abnormal cells are documented as present regardless of the presence/absence of local cells.

Availability

Monday-Friday

Turnaround Time

24 hours

PLEASE NOTE: Results may be delayed or the sample rejected if pertinent and/or required information needs clarification or is missing.

Test Codes

93601    NGC

93301    WASH (if bladder)

Container

Plastic leak-proof container in biohazard bag

Specimen Submission Requirements

Washings Kit #12 and Mailers – Instructions For Submitting Specimens For NGYN Washing Evaluations

  • 1 ThinPrep® vial
  • Absorbent paper
  • Pressure bag
  • Styrofoam mailers
  • Mailing Labels

Mailing Guidelines

  • Place specimen container in a biohazard bag (one patient specimen per bag)
  • Add one absorbent cloth per container
  • Place requisition form in biohazard bag sleeve
  • Place biohazard bag(s) and coolant (Kool Paks or rice) in styrofoam box and secure tightly so nothing can fall out
  • Label the styrofoam mailer with the following:
    • Your laboratory/clinic’s address
    • WSLH Cytology Department address
    • Diagnostic specimen label
  • Send using courier or overnight service

PLEASE NOTE: The specimen NEEDS to remain cold. This specimen MUST be delivered within 24 hours to prevent degredation.