The TDL Cytology laboratory is located at The Doctors Laboratory, 60 Whitfield Street, London W1T 4EU.

The cytology laboratory provides a rapid service for liquid based gynaecological samples and for conventional gynaecological smears. Urine cytology is performed in house while other non-gynaecological cytology samples are referred to a CPA accredited laboratory for processing. Human papilloma virus, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea testing is carried out routinely from the Thinprep vial and can be requested at the time of smear taking or up to three weeks post sampling. Fine needle aspirates can be arranged by contacting the head of department.

Additional testing from the vial is ideally requested at the time of taking the sample and detailed on the patient Request Form. Alternatively requests for Thin Prep Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea or Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can be made after the laboratory has received the sample.  TDL will store the vial for 3 weeks during which time add on requests can be made. 

Key personnel and Contact numbers

Laboratory hours

The laboratory is open between 9am and 6pm. Out of hours results are available on 020 7307 7373.

Urgent samples
Any specimen requiring an urgent result should be discussed with the Cytology Manager.

Information required
The appropriate request forms must be completed and include the patients name and date of birth (and hospital number for hospital cases). The form must be legible and include appropriate clinical information including the LMP for gynaecological samples. Tick boxes are provided to assist you. Please sign and date request forms accompanying patient's samples.

The specimen container must be clearly labelled with patient details. Forms and samples which are mismatched will result in the sample being returned to the sender for correction.

Clinical advice
The department is Consultant led. Advice regarding technical detail of the service and for particular tests is available from the Cytology manager. Clinical advice is available from either consultant and this is achieved by contacting them through the laboratory manager.

Repertoire, sample requirements and turnaround times

GYNAECOLOGICAL SAMPLES
The cytology laboratory processes gynaecological samples from private patients at GP clinics and private hospitals. The vast majority of the workload is submitted as LBC (liquid based cytology) and processed using the CYTYC ThinPrep system. Supplies of sample Thinprep pots are available from TDL stores. The head of the cervical broom must NOT be left in the pot. Smear taker packs are available on request from the laboratory.

Turnaround time for cervical samples 48-72 hours. The use of lubricant interferes with LBC sampling and may result in an inadequate sample, this is not recommended. If use of lubricant is absolutely essential a small amount of KY jelly or warm water is advised.

The Doctors Laboratory uses the Cytyc Imaging system as an enhanced Quality Control. Abnormal samples are referred to one of the Consultant Cytopathologists for final assessment and reporting.

Turn around time for gynaecological specimens is 48-72 hours.

URINES
Ideally, 50mls of a freshly voided midmorning urine sample should be submitted in a sterile container. Urine may be sent fresh however if a delay in transporting the sample to the laboratory is anticipated, samples may be stored at 4 degrees. If a significant delay is likely, samples should be submitted in containers containing fixative (available from TDL Stores – Telephone: 020 7307 7311 or Fax: 020 7307 7340). Mid stream urine samples are not ideal for cytological examination.

SPUTUM
Sputum should be collected on at least three occasions if underlying lung carcinoma is suspected. A single sputum is sufficient for microbiological assessment. Sputum should be sent to the laboratory immediately following production, or stored in a universal container containing cytolyt cell fixative if there is a likely delay. Please note that this is only acceptable if sputum only for Cytology. Microbiology cannot be performed on fixed material. Early morning sputum is ideal, but contamination with food, toothpaste and tobacco should be avoided.

FLUIDS

All FNAs ALL FNAs REGARDLESS OF SITE

1 or 2 air-dried direct spread smears and needle washings in a green non-gynaecological thinprep vial.

Pleural/Ascitic Fluids and Peritoneal Washings

Send a minimum of 30ml of body cavity fluid, mixed with an equal volume of cytolyt/preservcyt in multiple universal containers.

Bronchial and Gastric Washings

Add whole sample to green non-gynaecological thinprep vial.

Bronchial and Gastric Brushings

Snip off tip of brush into green non-gynaecological thinprep vial.

CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (CSF)

Ideally CSF should be submitted fresh or as an airdried cytospin slide, unstained and in a plastic transport slide box. A minimum of 3ml should be submitted either in fresh form or spun on multiple slides for cytopathologists’ review and opinion.

PLEASE NOTE:

• All samples must be labeled with 3 identifiers corresponding with patient form.
• Any sample without appropriate clinical information including site, previous history, current/post therapy will not be reported.
• Green non-gynaecological thinprep vials can be obtained from the TDL Supplies Department.