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Order Code LABCNONG CYTOLOGY, BREAST ASPIRATE/NIPPLE SECRETIONS

Specimen Requirements

Container:     Spray fixed slides in cardboard or plastic carrier

Collection:     Breast cytology may be evaluated by either needle aspiration from a palpable mass or nipple secretions.  Nipple secretions generally yield a high percentage of unsatisfactory smears and false negatives due to inadequate sampling.

  • Fine Needle Aspirate: Submit slide from each aspirate.  Label each slide with the patient's name and birth date.  Fix half of the slides.  Immediately spray with cytology spray fixative for Papanicolaou stain and air-dry the other half of the slides for Diff-Quik stain.
  • Nipple secretion: submit fixed slides in 95% alcohol or spray fixed slides.

 

 

Reference Values

Results will be reported as Unsatisfactory, Negative, Atypical, Suspicious, or Positive

Specimen Transport Temperature

 Transport immediately to the laboratory.  If not transported immediately to the laboratory; store at room temperature

Day(s) Performed

Monday - Friday

 

Turnaround time 2-4 days