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Pathology tests
Alphabetically listed
Test Name
Collection Requirements
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Cytology
AIR DRIED AND/OR FIXED SMEARS, NEEDLE
RINSE +/- STERILE CONTAINER–NON GYNAE
FLUID
Label slides clearly in pencil with patient name,
date of birth, specimen type and site. Make smears
directly from needle contents. Quickly spray fix half
of the slides and air dry the remaining slides. Please
mark slides as A/D (air dried) or W/F (wet fixed). The
needle may be rinsed into a clearly labelled 5mL
container containing Hanks Balanced Salt Solution
(available from the laboratory). Please DO NOT
forward needles to the laboratory. If there is a larger
volume of fluid place in a clearly labelled sterile
container. DO NOT add fixative to the fluid.
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Cytology
(pathologist collection)
Contact local laboratory for booking or enquiries.
First Trimester Screen (FTS/PAPPA)
PLAIN TUBE OR GEL TUBE
Partial Medicare Rebate
Collect specimen between 10-13 completed weeks
gestation (ie. 13 weeks, 6 days). Note relevant
details on referral eg LMP, ultrasound data.
FISH Chromosomes–Blood
LITHIUM HEPARIN TUBE
No Medicare rebate available.
Collect Monday –Thursday only.
FISH Tissue (paraffin embedded)
Contact Histopathologist for all enquiries.
Fluid (Non Gynae) Cytology (Ascitic,
Joint, Bursa, Oesphageal, Peritineal,
Pelvic, Pleural, Pericardial, Synovial)
STERILE CONTAINER–FLUID
Label container clearly with patient name, date
of birth, specimen type and site. If the specimen
is very scanty (i.e. several drops only) slides can
be made directly from the fluid. Slides should be
clearly labelled in pencil with patient name, date of
birth, specimen type and site. Alternatively for small
fluid volumes add a small amount of normal saline
to the specimen to avoid dehydration. DO NOT add
fixative to the fluid.
Fluoride–Urine Random
YELLOW TOP CONTAINER–RANDOM URINE
No Medicare rebate available.
Collect at end of shift or following exposure
Monday to Thursday.