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Pathology handbook

CSF Cytology

Test Code: 
Cyto
Tube Colour: 
CSF Sterile Tube Pack
Department: 
Cytology
Pseudonyms: 
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) - Cytology
Collection Requirements: 
1-2 ml CSF
Reference Range: 
Availability: 
Weekdays - 24 hrs for urgent specimens
Requires own tube?: 
Yes
Internal Spec Code: 
CSF
Fee: 
Medicare rebatable
Laboratory: 
Cytology
CSF specimens must be delivered to Central Specimen Reception immediately. Cellular degeneration occurs within 30 mins.

Cyst Fluid Cytology

Test Code: 
Cyto
Tube Colour: 
Yelllow Top Universal
Department: 
Cytology
Pseudonyms: 
Cyst, Seroma
Collection Requirements: 
All bloodstained fluid heparinized at 5 units/ml
Reference Range: 
Availability: 
Weekdays
Requires own tube?: 
No
Internal Spec Code: 
Fee: 
Medicare rebatable
Laboratory: 
Cytology
All fluids are collected in screw capped containers, to avoid spillage during transit. Fluids should reach the laboratory not later than 1600 hrs during the working week as the preparation time is very lengthy. Do not discard fluid if cytological analysis is required, send as much as possible to the laboratory.