Diagnostic Cytology
Diagnostic CytologyThe Cytology department processes 3,000 diagnostic (non-gynae) cytology and Andrology specimens per year. Our three WTE BMS colleagues carry out:
- The preparation of all types of diagnostic cytology specimens from the Taunton and Yeovil area, including those samples prepared by consultant pathologist attendance at fine needle aspiration (FNA) rapid onsite evaluation service (ROSE) for head & neck and thyroid clinics
- Post vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) and fertility semen analysis within the Andrology service
- Synovial joint fluid for crystal analysis
- Flow cytometry
The Laboratory aims to comply with The Royal College of Pathologists Key Performance Indicator (KPI 6.4) for Cellular Pathology reporting turnaround times with 90% of all cases reported within 10 calendar days.
Accreditation
Use this link to show the list of Diagnostic Cytology accredited tests
Please note: The analysis of Joint Fluid Crystals is currently not accredited
If tests other than cytology are required please divide the sample into separate plain universals with an individual request form for each department. Send the non-gynae diagnostic sample and request form directly to Cytology. Failure to send individual requests will result in delays.
Specimens for Diagnostic Cytology must be sent promptly as delay can result in deterioration which may make cytological diagnosis difficult.
Diagnostic Cytology should be requested via ICE. If access to ICE is not available a legible and complete manual request form must accompany all specimens. This has an attached plastic bag for safe transportation of samples. Click on this link for further information on how to complete request forms accurately. (See SPS Sample acceptance policy for details of minimum requirements)
Urgent specimens must be clearly marked.
Ensure any possible/known high risk infections are clearly stated on the request form.
Ready-made smears must be labelled with patient identifiers in pencil only as solvents used in processing the slides will remove any other marker
All specimens must arrive in the laboratory before 16:00 hours. If it is unavoidable that specimens arrive after this time (particularly on a Friday), please contact the Diagnostic Cytology department by emailing NGRequests@SomersetFT.nhs.uk before taking the specimen.
Please note: All non-gynae diagnostic cytology samples are disposed of 48hrs after final report, unless otherwise requested.
Sample Types
Diagnostic Cytology Sample Types
Risk factors
- Unfixed biological specimens are a source of biological hazard and must be handled with care
- If the patient or material is considered to be “high risk” ensure that the request and specimen are labelled accordingly
- Identification labels must be placed on the specimen container itself and not the lid nor used on glass slides
- Lids must be tightly secured.
- Do not send alcohol fixed slides in filled alcohol pots through transport.
- See individual sample types for further information.