All specimens submitted for Cytology must be clearly labelled with patient details and specimen type and accompanied by a request form (paper or electronic) detailing any clinical diagnosis and relevant history.

• Malignant cells are shed from a cancer growing in or communicating with a bronchus and may be coughed up in sputum (not in saliva). As malignant cells may be shed intermittently, a series of sputum specimens increases the chance of detections.
• Where there is difficulty in obtaining sputum, assistance from a physiotherapist should be sought.
• Three good early morning deep cough specimens are required on consecutive days. It is important to label each different specimen with the date it was taken, and then all three samples sent together to the laboratory.
• Investigation for asbestos bodies, viral changes and fungi can also be performed in Cytology.

Add ons for this test cannot be performed.

For further queries contact Anatomical Pathology on ph: 03 9496 5285 or fax: 03 9496 3437.