Vanderbilt Pathology Laboratory Services
Test Directory
BRUSH CYTOLOGY (NGY)
Department: CytologyTest Synonym(s): Bronchial brush, Esophageal brush, Bile duct brush, Gastric brush, NGY
Methodology: Call Lab for assistance at 615-322-2721.
Tube Type: Clean specimen container (GLASS IS NOT ACCEPTED)
Specimen: Material brushed from bronchus, etc; immediately swish brush in saline to release epithelial cells into saline OR immediately brush on clean glass slide and drop immediately in 95% ethanol for cellular fixation. Cellular brush material (cells) are very fragile and must be handled delicately and fixed immediately to be able to diagnose pathology.
Alternate Specimen: May put specimen on clean microscope slides and fix appropriately. Call lab for assistance; 322-2721.
Volume: Cells collected in saline ~ 10cc or smears made and fixed immediately
Temperature: Cells collected in saline should remain at room temp for a period of 1 to 2 hours; please refrigerate saline with cellular material if lab will receive specimen after a period of 2 hours. Fixed smears can be room temperature.
Reasons for Rejection: Mislabeled specimen, insufficient fluid for processing, broken glass slides
Days Performed: Monday - Friday; closed major Holidays
Times Performed: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
TAT: 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) for cases without cell block or special stains; cases with cell block or special stains may require a longer turn-around time.
Significance: Need patient history of prior or suspected malignancy; i.e., carcinoma, melanoma, lymphoma, etc.
Special Instructions: Call the lab for assistance 615-322-2721.
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