Our SANAS accredited cytology laboratory analyses both gynaecological and non-gynaecological cytology. Cytology is used to determine the nature of lesions and often to look for infections. It is mainly a screening tool to triage patients’ management.

Our non-gynae service looks at fluids such as urines, pleural and ascitic fluids, breast fluids and CSF’s, and fine needle aspirations (FNA’s). The FNA’s are submitted by referring doctors, or obtained with us on site in the radiology departments, in theatre, (Rapid on site evaluation- ROSE), in the ward (for inpatients only) or done by us on palpable lesions in our clinic. Please note that all procedures where we will be present, require appointments to be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Our samples can often be sent for molecular analysis, immunochemistry, cultures or other further testing if required. If you are submitting a non-gynae sample, please either submit spray fixed slides, or fluids in a green top urine bottle with saline; NOT a LBC bottle.

We look at both conventional slides and Liquid based cytology(LBC) in our gynae screening service. We currently use the Surepath system for our LBC, which requires the brush to be submitted in the bottle.

Please ensure to label samples and provide as much information as possible.