The cytological examination involves the processing and microscopic examination of fluids (e.g., pleural fluid, ascitic fluid, urine, CSF), samples obtained through fine needle aspiration (FNA) (e.g., lymph nodes, thyroid, EBUS-TBNA, etc.), as well as samples taken through invasive procedures such as “ERCP brushings,” “washings,” BAL, etc.
Centrifugation of the samples is performed, and “cell block” preparation is done with full capabilities for immunohistochemical testing, as well as preservation of material for molecular testing or investigation of prognostic and predictive markers.
It also includes the examination of FNA samples for possible amyloidosis (e.g., adipose tissue) with Congo Red staining.
In specific systems, the findings are categorized based on guidelines (Bethesda Classification, Paris Classification, Papanicolaou for Pancreatobiliary Cytology, etc.).
