Cytopathology Laboratory

Expert Cytology Services for Accurate Diagnosis

The UTPath Cytology Laboratory specializes in the examination of cells to provide precise, timely diagnoses. Our advanced cytological techniques support healthcare providers in detecting and managing a wide range of conditions, from cancer to infectious diseases.

Services Offered:

  • Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Cytology: Rapid, minimally invasive cell sampling with expert interpretation to aid in the diagnosis of tumors and other lesions.
  • Pap Smear Testing: High-quality screening for cervical cancer and other gynecological conditions, ensuring early detection and effective management.
  • Fluid Cytology: Analysis of body fluids (such as pleural, peritoneal, and cerebrospinal fluids) to detect malignancies, infections, and other pathological conditions.
  • Urine Cytology: Non-invasive testing to identify urinary tract cancers and other conditions through the examination of urinary cells.

Choose UTPath Cytology Laboratory for precise, reliable diagnoses delivered quickly through advanced techniques and comprehensive cytological services. Our expert cytopathologists ensure accurate results to support timely clinical decisions.

Contact Us: 713-500-5318

Laboratory Manager: Rahaf Olabi Abboushi, MHA CT(ASCP)

Cytopathology Testing Menu

  • Collection instructions: Clinician collected samples may be collected with a spatula/brush combo or a broom like collection device. Swirl collection device vigorously in vial to release collected materials. Do not touch the spatula/brush/broom with fingers. Do not leave the device in the vial.
  • Unacceptable Specimens/Rejection Criteria: unlabeled specimens, leaky specimens
  • Days testing performed: Monday – Friday
  • Expected Turn Around Time: 2-4 business days

Specimen Retention Time: 3 months

  • Collection instructions: Clinician collected samples may be collected with a spatula/brush combo or a broom like collection device. Swirl collection device vigorously in vial to release collected materials. Do not touch the spatula/brush/broom with fingers. Do not leave the device in the vial.
  • Unacceptable Specimens/Rejection Criteria: unlabeled specimens, leaky specimens
  • Days testing performed: Monday – Friday
  • Expected Turn Around Time: 2 business days

Specimen Retention Time: 3 months

Collection instructions: Perform at least 4 passes and submit the following:

      • 4 air dried slides in an empty slide holder/mailer (red or pink top)
      • 4 slides in slide holder/mailer (red or pink top) with ETOH/Cytolyt
      • Needle rinse in a 50mL conical tube (blue top) with ETOH/Cytolyt and/or rinse in 10mL NPF
  • Unacceptable Specimens/Rejection Criteria: unlabeled specimens, leaky specimen
  • Days Testing Performed: Monday – Friday
  • Expected Turn Around Time: 2 business days

Specimen Retention Time: 3 weeks

Body Fluid

      • Collection instructions: Send fresh body fluids immediately. Put in Cytolyt if overnight. If lymphoma is suspected put additional 5 – 10mL of fluid in RPMI.
      • Unacceptable Specimens/Rejection Criteria: unlabeled specimens, leaky specimen, specimens older than 24 hour that are not refrigerated or in fixative.
      • Days testing performed: Monday – Friday
      • Expected Turn Around Time: 2 business days
      • Specimen Retention Time: 3 weeks

Urine

    • Collection instructions: add enough of the collected urine to fill the PreservCyt vial, approximately 20mL. There should be an equal amount of urine and PreservCyte.
    • Unacceptable Specimens/Rejection Criteria: unlabeled specimen, leaky specimen
    • Days testing performed: Monday – Friday
    • Expected Turn Around Time: 2 business days
    • Specimen Retention time: 2 weeks