Cytology is the study of cells. Cells obtained from body organs and fluid secretions are stained and examined microscopically for pathological change or infective agents. Sampling for cytology is generally safe, simple and non-invasive.

Cytology is separated into gynaecological (mostly cervical) and non-gynaecological specimens. The analysis of gynaecological samples is the major component of the workload of the cytology department. This laboratory receives approximately 36,000 gynaecological specimens and 9,000 non-gynaecological samples per annum.

Non-gynaecological sampling is used as a valuable diagnostic tool. It may confirm or provide an initial diagnosis determine the course of treatment, and monitor the spread of disease.

 Opening Hours

Gynaecological Specimens  

Gynaecological samples from the female genital tract, cervix, endocervical canal, vaginal wall, vulva, posterior fornix, endometrium and ovary are handled by the department. The cytology department offers both a screening service and diagnostic service for gynaecological samples.

The department supplies consumables for taking liquid based cytology samples. For supplies please phone stores x4407. 

All sample vials must be clearly labelled with the patient’s full name and a numerical identifier such as Date of Birth or NHS number.

Samples must only be taken by Sample Takers who have undergone LBC sample taker training and have been issued with a PIN number. Samples sent by sample takers without a PIN number will be reported as inadequate.

All specimens should reach the department as soon as possible preferably within 24 hours.

The management of new patients to the Brighton area is initially based on the information given as clinical details. It is important, therefore, that the clinical details should contain as much relevant information as possible, i.e. the date of any previous abnormal cytology, the date and result of any treatment etc.

The government target for turnaround times from 2010 is 14 days from the time of sample taking to the receipt of result by the patient. The laboratory will therefore endeavour to issue results within 7 days of receipt of specimen in order to achieve this.

Pre-populated forms can be downloaded via Open Exeter but the preferred method of requesting samples is via ICE requesting.

Non-gynaecological Specimens

All specimens should reach the department as soon as possible.

If there are any queries regarding specimen collection/preparation please telephone the laboratory on (66)4409 before sample collection.

If a specimen is taken out of hours (especially if the correct specimen container is not available), the specimen should be refrigerated until the cytopathology laboratory is open, but note that CSF specimens are unlikely to be suitable for processing if refrigerated.

Specimen results will usually be available within 7 days of receipt of specimen. The results for specimens which require extra investigations such as cell blocks and specimens linked with Histology may take longer then 7 days for the report to be available.

Specimen Containers

300 mL bottles containing fixative for Urine cytology, 500 mL bottles containing EDTA for effusions, and 60 mL Sterilin container with metal lid for semen samples are available from the Pathology store, (66)4407.

Urgent Specimens

Telephone the laboratory giving the nature of the specimen, the patient’s details, when results are required, who to contact and their bleep/phone number.

Fine Needle Aspirates (FNA)	The material obtained should be gently spread onto frosted end glass slides and rapidly air dried.  The slides must be clearly labelled in pencil with the patient’s name and date of birth and the site of aspiration. Slides must be completely dry before they are put into transport boxes. If fluid is aspirated this can be put in a blood bottle containing EDTA (pink top blood bottle).
Respiratory Tract	Sputum, bronchial washings/lavages The whole specimen should be sent in a wide mouthed, screw-capped container or trap and should reach the laboratory the same day. Sputum specimens should be three early morning sputums taken on successive days before breakfast to avoid contamination with food or toothpaste.
	Nasal, pharyngeal swabs, buccal smears and bronchial brushings Bronchial brushings and swabs/buccal smears should be smeared gently onto frosted end glass slides and fixed immediately with cytology fixative. Allow 10 minutes before putting the slide in the transport box. The slides must be clearly labelled in pencil with the patient’s name and date of birth.
Gastrointestinal Tract	Washings and lavage specimens The whole specimen should be sent in a wide mouthed, screw capped container and should reach the laboratory the same day.
	Endoscopic Brushings Brushings should be smeared gently onto frosted end glass slides and fixed immediately with cytology fixative.  Allow 10 minutes before putting the slide in the transport box. The slides must be clearly labelled in pencil with the patient’s name and date of birth.
Effusions	Effusions consist of pericardial, pleural, ascitic or peritoneal fluids. Specimens should be collected in 500ml bottles labelled “FOR CYTOLOGY OF EFFUSIONS”. These bottles contain an anticoagulant (EDTA) to prevent clotting.
Urine	Types of suitable samples include: voided, catheter, bladder washings and ileal loop urine.  Specimens are collected in 300 ml bottles labelled “FOR URINE CYTOLOGY ONLY”. The bottle contains fixative (alcohol and glacial acetic acid). Complete voided specimens are required. Midstream urine is not suitable for cytology as cells are often passed at the beginning and at the end of voiding. Early morning urine is also unsuitable because it contains degenerate cells, causing difficulty in interpretation.
Joint Fluids	Synovial specimens should be received in sterile pots.  Send an aliquot fresh to the Cytopathology department in an anticoagulant-free container.
Cerebrospinal Fluids (CSF)	The CSF should be collected in a sterile universal container universal without fixative (plastic is preferable as some cells adhere to glass). Samples must reach laboratory promptly (max. two hours). Please notify the laboratory that the sample is to arrive. Specimens should be taken allowing sufficient time to reach the laboratory as if refrigerated overnight the sample may be unreadable the next day.

 Semenology

Semen Fertility Check

At RSCH only. No appointment necessary.  Specimens should be received within one hour of production. On site facilities are not available.

The patient instruction leaflet can be downloaded here.

(revision 4, last reviewed 25/11/11)

Post Vasectomy Specimens

At RSCH only.  No appointment necessary. Turnaround 5 days. The patient instruction leaflet can be downloaded here:

(revision 2, last reviewed 24/11/11)

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