Urine Cytology
Also known as: Urine, Bladder Washings/Lavage
Use
Establish the presence of primary or metastatic neoplasms; aid in the diagnosis of infections with herpesvirus, cytomegalovirus, Blastomyces, and Schistosoma; evaluate malacoplakia; establish the presence of cytomegalic inclusion disease
Special Instructions
Ensure that the patient's name, date of birth, sex, Social Security number, previous malignancy history, drug therapy, radiation therapy, and all other pertinent clinical details, including any history of alcohol abuse, are included on the request form. A first morning voided specimen is unsuitable for collection. The exact collection method must be identified. If performing a CMV study, indicate any chemotherapy or immunosuppression treatments.
Limitations
Urine cytology has limitations, such as the inability to diagnose low-grade papillary transitional cell or urothelial carcinomas reliably through cytologic examination alone. Additionally, the presence of calculi or recent instrumentation may result in atypical changes in urothelial cells, which could mimic malignancy. Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy can induce changes in cell appearance that resemble neoplasia. Although viral culture is the preferred method for diagnosing CMV, cytology can offer faster results, though not without sacrificing some specificity.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 47525-1
- 22633-2
- 52797-8
- 47526-9
Result Turnaround Time
2-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
Not less than 20 mL
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Sterile plastic urine container
Collection Instructions
Patient should be hydrated by drinking several glasses of water 30 minutes to one hour before collection. For routine collection, a second morning specimen is required. Have the patient drink a glass of water every 15 minutes for two to three hours, then void or catheterize and discard. Collect a specimen after one hour for routine collection, 30 minutes to one hour after for residual bladder urine, or catheterize ureters to pelvis for upper urinary tract lesions.
Patient Preparation
Hydrate patient by having them drink water for 30 minutes to one hour prior to collection.
Storage Instructions
If collected after hours, add an equal amount of 50% ethyl alcohol or Saccomanno fixative, then place in a laboratory refrigerator. Note: These fixatives are not suitable for microbiology testing.
Causes for Rejection
Improper labeling, incorrect fixation method, 24-hour urine collection, delayed transport, use of expired vial, or frozen specimen.