Pleural Fluid Cytology
Also known as: Pleural Effusions
Use
Establish the presence of primary or metastatic neoplasms; aid in the diagnosis of rheumatoid pleuritis, fungal and parasitic infestation of serous cavities
Special Instructions
Ensure to include the patient's name, date of birth, sex, Social Security number, previous malignancy, drug therapy, radiation therapy, and all other pertinent clinical information, including history of alcohol abuse, on the request form. Proper labeling and immediate delivery to the Cytology Laboratory are critical.
Limitations
The test is limited by the potential for deterioration and artifact if the pleural fluid is allowed to stand for a prolonged period before processing. Additionally, the first tapping of fluids in cases of long-standing effusions may result in degenerated material, necessitating a second tap after reaccumulation. Diagnostic cells may be lost due to clots that are not amenable for sampling, further limiting the diagnostic capacity of this test.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 22636-5
- 22639-9
- 19139-5
- 22634-0
- 22635-7
- 22633-2
- 47526-9
- 22638-1
Result Turnaround Time
2-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Body Fluid
Volume
50 mL or more
Minimum Volume
More than 5 mL
Container
1200-cc Cardinal Health Guardian™ disposable hard canister or 120-mL BD Vacutainer® sterile urine collection cup
Collection Instructions
Label the container with patient's name, hospital number, room number, date, and type of specimen. Deliver immediately to the Cytology Laboratory. If more than a 24-hour delay is anticipated between collection and receipt in the laboratory, add 1 mL (1000 units) of heparin for each 300 mL of collected fluid. For volumes up to 1 liter, add an equal volume of 50% ethyl alcohol or Saccomanno fixative.
Patient Preparation
Move the patient into several different positions to suspend the cells in the fluid. Perform the paracentesis.
Storage Instructions
After hours, place in the laboratory refrigerator.
Causes for Rejection
Improper labeling; contamination due to spillage; improper fixation; specimen submitted in vial that expired according to manufacturer's label; frozen specimen