The Cytopathology department provides a Diagnostic Cytology service for patients in NHS Lothian and NHS Borders. Specimens received are generally sent from wards, clinics and GP practices.
Specimen Preservation:
- Specimens should be placed either in an appropriate carrier medium or unfixed in a suitable container, capped securely and delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible.
- Specimens should be kept refrigerated at 4 degrees Celsius until they are uplifted.
- All specimens should be received in the laboratory before 16:00 hours to allow adequate time for preparation of the material within normal working hours. Timing of procedures should take this into account.
- Non emergency specimens, taken out of hours, should be kept refrigerated at 4 degrees Celsius and delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible the next working day.
- Clinical advice about unusual specimens can be obtained from the relevant Consultant Pathologist.
Request Forms:
- Request forms must be completed using a black pen and be legible. Felt-tip pens should not be used.
- Hospital labels and GP Practice Stamps should be used whenever possible.
- Illegible or incomplete forms may have to be returned and may result in a delay in processing and reporting.
- The patient and specimen details on the request form must match those on the specimen container. Patient details MUST be accurate and Mandatory Data Set MUST be complete.
- Please ensure all details are accurate, particularly the spelling of the patient's name, DOB and hospital number. Failure to do so will affect merging with previous specimens and may result in an inappropriate report being issued.
Diagnostic Cytopathology and Fine Needle Aspiration Specimens:
- For recommended samples refer to Appendix II.
- The Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Protocol is provided in Appendix IV.
Advice about technique or the investigation of diagnostic problem cases may be obtained from the relevant Consultant Pathologist via the Enquiries Office (Tel: 27172).
Post Vasectomy Samples
Semen samples should be produced according to the instructions issued by Family Planning & Well Woman Services at Dean Terrace or the Borders Hospital.
Diagnostic Cytology Reports:
Report within 5 working days. Turnaround times will increase where there is a need to perform further investigations