Cytopathology is a branch of pathology that studies and diagnoses diseases on the cellular level. The most common use of cytopathology is the smear test, used to detect cervical cancer at an early, treatable stage.
The cytology department at St Helier Hospital, acting on behalf of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, screens liquid-based cytology samples for GPs, FPCs and hospitals within the Sutton and Merton area, Epsom Hospital and NHS Surrey.
The laboratory also provides a full non-gynaecological diagnostic service, which includes on- and off-site fine needle aspiration service, as well as attendance at bronchoscopy clinics and CT scanning to provide diagnostic guidance and technical help to the consultants.
Further instructions
Urine samples need to be from the whole of the second urine of the day.
Sensitivity will be improved when 3 consecutive samples are sent, i.e. from 3 consecutive days
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Tightly close lids on pots to prevent leakage
- Pots must be in plastic bags for transportation and accompanied by the appropriate form, not in the plastic bag as it could become contaminated. Ensure form has patient's name, age, hospital number, consultant's name and relevant clinical details.
- Send specimens to laboratory quickly as cells rapidly deteriorate.
- Instruction leaflets on collecting specimens are available from lab.
- Most results are available within one working day.
Fine needle aspirates
The laboratory offers an on-demand fine needle aspiration (FNA) diagnostic service for suitable superficial sites such as breast, lymph nodes, thyroid, salivary gland and subcutaneous lesions in general. Aspirations can usually be performed immediately by the Pathologist in Outpatients, the wards or in the Cytopathology laboratory, where the facilities allow a check for adequacy and repeat if necessary. If the Pathologist is not available or the Clinician wishes to perform the aspiration then a member of the Cytopathology technical staff will normally assist in the spreading, fixation and transport of material. Results will usually be available within half a working day. Please telephone extension 2147 from within the Trust to make arrangements.
FNAs of deep body sites are arranged with the Department of Diagnostic Imaging.
