cytology

Cytology is the study of the cell, its abnormalities, inflammation, infection, etc

1. sample path:

   1. samples are received
      1. smears are prepared
      2. the smears are sent to the cyto technologists the NEXT day
      3. then sent to the pathologist

2. sample types:

   1. bodily fluids EXCEPT FOR BLOOD
      1. sputum\pleura
      2. CSF
      3. urine

sample is sent to the cytology lab with a label and a request form

• immediately rejected if there no request form, or the biohazard info is not labelled, or its leaking, etc
  • by “immediately rejected” means sent back to the doctors to fix the issue, then back to cytology to test
• check for matching between the label and the RF
  • MRN
  • Episode number
  • etc
• MAKE SURE THE TEST REQUESTED IS MEANT FOR CYTOLOGY
  • sometimes the clinical info (history and relevant clinical details) may request a test that is not related to cytology
  • E.g “washing” in clinical info
    • this means it was washed with alcohol
    • check for the site where it was collected
  • E.g “malignancy”, “looking for infection”, “immunocompromised”
    • Prepare a cell block
    • Put in cassette
    • Freeze in tissue like material
    • Obtain tissue block
    • Send to ihc

once everything is validated

• Update on trak care to notify that dr it’s being processed
• you will get a lab number for cytology specifically
  • format: [CHARACTER] [year] [number]
    • where [CHARACTER] can be either
      • C → non-gynae samples (any other fluid)
      • G → gynae samples (from the female genital tract)

Non-gynae procedure:

1. Macro-description:
   1. Describe the:
      1. Volume
      2. Color
      3. Consistency (turbid or clear)
   2. e.g
      1. 20 ml Blood stain Turbid fluid