The department provides diagnostic and screening services for a wide range of non-gynae specimens to both hospital and GP users.
Write surname, first name, DOB and NHS number on the vial using pen. If using pre printed labels, please stick these over the labels already on the vial, ensuring that the gap through which the fluid can be seen is left completely clear and label free.
If taking two cervical cytology samples e.g. endocervical and ectocervical samples, please put both in the one LBC vial unless the lady has two cervices, then use one vial for each.
Gynae cytology results routinely take up to 10 working days to ensure meeting the 14 day national overall turnaround time target.
Complete a pathology request form, placing a tick in Non-Cervical Cytology in the OTHER TESTS box. Label both the specimen pot and the form as the department cannot normally accept unlabelled specimens. If sending slides, label the slides (in lead pencil) rather than the slide container. Place Danger of Infection labels on both container and form when appropriate.
Each specimen is unique. Precise estimate of uncertainty of measurement is not possible, mainly due to lack of homogeneity and no known true value.
The only sources identified that may affect the results relate to the storage temperature before reaching the laboratory. For information on storage, on specimen transport and associated policies and procedures, please see ‘User Services/Specimen Transport’ section of the Pathology handbook.
Urgent non-gynae results are usually available within 24 hours. To make a specimen urgent, the histology consultant reporting on that day must be informed.
Routine non gynae reports would generally be available within 5 working days.