ProPath Test Menu


Breast Cyst Needle Aspiration Cytology


TEST DIRECTORY
Test Name
Breast Cyst Needle Aspiration Cytology
Description
Cytopathologic evaluation for the detection and characterization of malignant cells which could be present in a breast cyst.
Test Code
405
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
Specimen Requirements
  • Fixed specimens are preferred for cytologic evaluations.
  • Fresh specimens are preferred if culture is requested.
Supplies for Submission
  • CytoLyt®, if culture is not requested
  • 95% ethanol may be used as a fixative, if CytoLyt® is unavailable
  • Specimen container
Specimen Collection
  1. Label all specimen containers with two identifiers. Acceptable identifiers include patient’s name, date of birth, social security number, requisition number, and medical record number.
  2. Transfer the aspirated material into specimen container, with at least an equal volume of CytoLyt®, if culture is not requested.
  3. If culture is requested, submit a fresh specimen and DO NOT use CytoLyt®. Refrigerate until pick-up.
  4. Rinse the needle in the same container.
  5. Tighten the cap and mix the contents thoroughly.
  6. Write the type of fixative (if any) on the requisition and indicate the source.
DO NOT submit the needle to the laboratory. If the syringe contains residual material to be submitted to the laboratory, aspirate fixative equal to 2x volume of specimen into the syringe. Safely detach the needle with a needle-removing device and discard in a Sharp’s container. Cap the labeled syringe and submit only the syringe to the laboratory.
Storage Requirements
Store specimens at room temperature if fixative is used. If saline is used, refrigerate until transported. DO NOT freeze.
Causes for Rejections
Click here for Specimen Rejection Criteria.
GENERAL AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Turn Around Time
2-3 days
Limitations
  • Specimens in incorrect fixative (such as formalin) can only be processed as cell blocks.
  • A negative diagnosis may reflect sampling error and does not completely rule out a malignant neoplasm.
CPT Code
Any of the following (depending on how the specimen is received): 88173, 88112, 88172, 10021, 88305