Abdominal Fluid Cytology
| Abdominal Fluid Cytology | | | |
| Number | | 009050 |
| CPT | | 88112 |
| Synonyms | | Abdominal Effusion Cytology ; Paracentesis ; Pelvic Washings |
| Special Instructions | | Include patient's name, date of birth, sex, Social Security number, previous malignancy, drug therapy, radiation therapy, and all other pertinent clinical information, including history of alcohol abuse, on the request form. |
| Specimen | | Abdominal fluid |
| Volume | | 50 mL or more |
| Minimum Volume | | More than 5 mL |
| Container | | 150 mL vacuum bottle available from courier service |
| Collection | | Label the container with patient's name, hospital number, room number, date, and type of specimen. Deliver immediately to Cytology Laboratory. If more than a 24-hour delay is anticipated between collection and receipt in the laboratory, please add the following: 1 mL (1000 units) of heparin for each 300 mL of collected fluid. To the entire volume (up to 1 liter) add an equal volume of 50% ethyl alcohol or Saccomanno fixative. (Note: Specimens prepared with fixatives that contain 50% ethyl alcohol, eg, Saccomanno fixative, are not acceptable for microbiology testing.) |
| Storage Instructions | | After hours, place in the laboratory refrigerator. |
| Patient Preparation | | In order to suspend the cells in the fluid, move the patient into several different positions. Perform the paracentesis. |
| Causes for Rejection | | Improper labeling; gross contamination due to spillage; improper fixation |
| Use | | Establish the presence of primary or metastatic neoplasms; aid in the diagnosis of fungal and parasitic infestation of serous cavities |
| Limitations | | Allowing fluid to stand for prolonged period before processing may cause deterioration and artifact. First tapping of fluids of long duration may be degenerated and require a second tap after reaccumulation. |
| Methodology | | The fluid will be centrifuged, supernatant poured off, and diagnostic cells aspirated from the remaining material. Filters, monolayers, and/or cytospins will be made along with a cell block, if applicable. Microscopic examination is performed. |
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