FNA kit should be used. If FNA kit is not available, submit the entire specimen in ThinPrep CytoLyt solution (Blue Cap). For thyroids: If requesting reflex to molecular tests, refer to the manufacturer instructions to see if specific proprietary collection media or additional requisitions are needed. If applicable, the molecular request and reflex conditions must be indicated in the order, and any additional requisitions or vials should accompany the cytology specimen. Specimen vials and slides should be labeled with patient demographics. Exact specimen source, laterality, size of the nodule(s) where applicable must be specified. Complete all Ask On Order Entry questions.
Specimen Type
Tissue, Respiratory, Other
Container
- FNA Kit including: CytoLyt Solution vial/ 10% buffered formalin, 70% alcohol vial, Empty slide holder. - Glass slides (Patient demographics written with Xylene-resistant marker) - If FNA Kit is not available, submit the entire specimen in Cytolyt. - Thyroid molecular: If needed, Thyroseq and Afirma requires proprietary collection medium. This, along with the separate requisiton, should be submitted with the FNA Kit. - RPMI: If flow cytometry analysis is needed. This should be submitted separately to flow cytometry lab.
Collection Instructions
All specimens (slides and specimen containers) must be labelled with the patient’s demographics. The specimen container must be labeled with the patient's last and first name, date of birth and specimen source. The frosted end of the glass slide also must be labeled with patient’s full last name and first name, date of birth, and specimen source. If the slide is received unlabeled or misidentified, case will be held and the physician will be notified. It is the physician's responsibility to correct errors in specimen identification. Perform aspiration. Place bevel of needle against center of glass slide and express a few drops of aspirated material. Place a second slide on top of the first, allow weight of slide to spread the drop, and then quickly pull slides apart. Immediately fix 1 slide in 70% or 95% ethyl alcohol. Allow second slide to dry then place in an empty slide holder. Rinse needle in 10% Buffered formalin or Cytolyt jar. Complete requisition with information listed in Further Information section Packaging Tightly seal containers and place them in a plastic biohazard bag and/or FNA Kit box. The requisition is placed in the outside pocket of the bag or FNA Kit box. One kit is used per site and per patient. Send the specimen to lab.
Transport Instructions
Ambient
Specimen Stability
Methodology
Thinprep, smears, cell block, Papanicolaou and Diff-Quik staining
Days Performed
Monday through Friday 48 hours analytical time from time of receipt in the lab. Additional time may be needed if special/immunohistochemical stains/molecular studies are needed. Reflex thyroid molecular testing are send-out tests, requiring 2 weeks from the reflex order date.
