Cytology, Fine Needle Aspirate
Also known as: FA REQUEST
Use
The fine needle aspirate test is used to establish a diagnosis for mass lesions that are accessible by cytology sampling. This may include lesions in organs such as the thyroid, breast, kidney, liver, lymph nodes, and salivary glands. The test is typically performed to determine the nature of the mass, whether benign or malignant, and to assess any specific pathological characteristics.
Special Instructions
Submit source information with the specimen. Patients need to provide clinical history and relevant medical data.
Limitations
The test is not approved in the state of New York, and ARUP cannot facilitate testing for New York state clients. Additionally, frozen specimen vials or slides and samples submitted in expired collection containers are not acceptable. Accuracy depends on adequate sample collection and preparation.
Methodology
Microscopy
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 22634-0
- 22636-5
- 31208-2
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Body Fluid
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
ARUP Standard Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
Transport fluid in equal parts cytology fixative. Unfixed fluid must be submitted refrigerated within 24 hours.
Patient Preparation
Refer to Cytopathology Specimen Collection & Handling.
Storage Instructions
Fresh Unfixed Fluid should be refrigerated; Fixed Fluid can be ambient or refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Frozen specimens, samples in expired collection containers
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 week for Fixed Fluid only |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours for Fresh Unfixed Fluid; 1 week for Fixed Fluid |
| Frozen | Unacceptable in all cases |