University of Virginia Health System

BODY CAVITY FLUID CYTOLOGY

CPT CODE:  88112, 88108, 88104, 88305

SYNONYMS: Pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, ascites, etc.

TEST INCLUDES: Specimen preparation and cytologic evaluation.

DEPARTMENT: Cytology

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT: 5-500 mL fresh fluid in clean glass or hard plastic container with screw top lid

TESTING SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 08:00 - 15:30. Turnaround time: 2 working days.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Specimens must be submitted in glass or hard plastic containers with screw top lids. Soft plastic bags or E-vac containers are not acceptable.  DO NOT add fixatives. Deliver to lab immediately.

REFERENCE INTERVAL: Normal cells