Diagnostic Cytology is a specialist discipline that includes examination of diagnostic and screening samples collected using non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques to confirm or exclude disease.

These specimens contain cells which can be suspended in a body fluid (e.g. urine, pleural fluid) or liquid fixative (e.g. bronchial washings, FNA) or pre-smeared on to a glass slide (e.g. colorectal brush). Preparation of the material depends upon the state it is received in and the body site the cells have been collected from. Stained slides are prepared and given to a Pathologist for diagnosis and reporting.

• Respiratory – lavage and brush
• Serous fluids – pleural, ascetic and cystic
• Fine needle aspirates
• Urine analysis
• Colorectal brushings

See Cellular Pathology for opening times, members of the team and contact details.

The departmental objective is to report 70% of Cytology samples in 14 days and 95% of Cytology samples in 28 days.

Any samples which are required to be reported urgently, please contact the department directly. If you require any further information, please let us know.