Cytology

Introduction

The Cytology Lab is located at the Ground Floor, within the Anatomic Pathology Unit, Block D. (Ext 7289 / 7111 or Mobile No : 01127111790)

Operating hours:

The Anatomic Pathology Laboratory is open:

• Monday - Friday : 0800 hrs - 1700 hrs

• Saturday/Sunday/Public holidays : Closed

Service provided

1. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA).

2. Gynaecological PAP smear

1. Conventional smear

2. Liquid based cytology

3. Body fluid cytology:

1. Pleural fluid

2. Pericardial fluid

3. Peritoneal fluid

4. Peritoneal washing

5. Synovial cyst fluid

4. Bronchial brushing

5. Bronchial washing

6. Bronchoalveolar lavage

7. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

8. Nipple discharge

9. Seminal fluid analysis (Sperm morphology and count)

10. Sputum

11. Urine

12. Vitreous smear

Operating hours for special tests (By appointment only)

1. Bedside FNAC - All weekdays (except Wednesday) - 8.00am - 12.00pm

2. Ultrasound guided FNAC - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - 2.00pm - 4.00pm

3. Endoscopic ultrasound FNAC - Monday 8.00am - 1.00pm ; Friday 8.00am - 11.30am

4. Transbronchial needle aspiration - Thursday 10.00am - 1.00pm

Guidelines For Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Service

Fine Needle Aspiration for Cytology (FNAC) is a diagnostic procedure to detect malignancy by examining cells in aspirate from lumps or masses. The Pathology Department provides two types of FNAC service, which are; 

1. FNAC Clinic for mobile (walking) patients from clinic / ward / other hospitals.

2. FNAC by appointment for bedside (bedridden and/or unstable inpatients) or imaging guided procedures

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) Clinic (Extension: 7289/ 7111 or Mobile No : 01127111790) - By appointment

1. Operating hours: Wednesdays - 8.00 am to 4.00 pm. 

2. This service is strictly only for mobile patients (able to walk independently). Patients on stretcher or connected to any medical apparatus will be rejected.

3. Please contact Cytology Lab (7289 / 7111) to obtain an appointment date.

4. Patient MUST bring the following documents to the clinic:

1. Complete and detailed Request Form (PER PAT 301) with relevant clinical summary.

2. Consent form signed by both requesting doctor and patient.

3. Payment receipt for procedure at Unit Hasil (for outpatients only). Please remind patient to settle payment at Unit Hasil, Lobi Utama Hospital before 1.00 pm to avoid cancellation of procedure.

4. The procedure will not be done if documents are incomplete.

5. For inpatients from wards, please send healthcare staff to accompany patient.

Fine Needle Aspiration for Cytology (FNAC) (Assistance for Bedside / Imaging guided procedures - USG, CT-G, EUS, TBNA)

1. To request for Pathology Dept's assistance in FNAC, please inform Cytology Lab (extension 7289/7111 or Mobile No : 01127111790) at least 24 hours before the date of the procedure. 

2. Please ensure the following documents are prepared on day of procedure:

1. A complete and detailed Pathology Request Form.

2. Signed Consent form between requesting doctor and patient (will be counter-signed by doctor performing FNAC)

3. OT-list (in the case of EUS, TBNA) to be sent to the lab prior to day of procedure

3. Clinicians who perform the FNAC procedure need to fill in the Macroscopy section of FNAC worksheet.

4. Request for the above should be done by the medical officer in charge of the patient. 

5. Please inform the Cytology Lab or Pathologist regarding any cancelled procedures as soon as possible.

6. Cell block preparation can be done for samples suspicious of malignancy. It is an adjunct to conventional smears and cannot serve as the main diagnostic test. A smear is always required. Extra material from procedure should be sent in sterile screw cap container to prepare for this possibility.

7. Decision to proceed with preparation of cell block will be made by the pathologist in charge. 

8. If the procedure has not started within 30 minutes after the arrival of laboratory staff at the location, the appointment will be automatically cancelled and need to be rescheduled. Please make sure to call laboratory only when patient is ready for procedure. 

Smear technique

If FNA is done without the assistance of MLT, please prepare slide according to the smear technique shown below :

Pre-collection and collection requirements of Seminal fluid Analysis

1. Sample for seminal analysis must be sent to the laboratory within ONE (1) hour from the time of collection.

2. Patients must adhere to the following instructions to ensure a quality sample is taken for testing.

3. Patients should not engage in sex/masturbation for 3 days prior to sample collection.

4. Patients are advised to collect semen using the masturbation method at room temperature.

5. The sample/semen collected must be placed in a dry and clean container. 

6. Please obtain this container from the clinic or laboratory.

7. The date and time of sample collection MUST be written on the form and sample container.

8. Ensure the sample is not exposed to conditions that are too hot or cold during transportation to the laboratory. 

Request form

1. All requests for cytology (except Pap smears) must be sent with Pathology Request Form PER-PAT 301. 

2. Please make sure a clinical summary is included to avoid specimen rejection.

3. All patient biodata should be written/printed clearly and legibly. 

4. Particular attention should be given to the patient's identification document number (e.g., identity card, passport, etc.). 

5. This number is essential to assist in tracing of results by healthcare providers in the future.

6. For fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), please record details of on-site examination and sample details on the Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Worksheet. 

7. For pap smears, a labelled slide must be sent with Pap form PS 1/98( Pindaan 2023) and report template PS 2/2019. 

e-Paps

1. The Sabah Pap Smear Screening Program can be accessed at this LINK.

2. Refer to the e-Paps website for instructions on its use.