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22548 Cytology, Sputum

Cytology, Sputum
Test Code: Pathology Non-Gyn Request
Synonyms/Keywords
​​​.Sputum For Cytology​
Useful For
Cytologic examination of a sample from the upper respiratory tract for the detection and diagnosis of organisms, malignant neoplasms and other respiratory disorders.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)		 Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
Sputum​ Sage Container​ ​ Nont applicable
 ​ ​
Collection Processing Instructions
Specimen must be a "deep cough" specimen (not saliva).  Expectorate sample into a specimen cup (or sage container) containing 70% ethyl alcohol.
 
PREFERRED:  Collect an early morning specimen each day for 3 days and submit in separate containers.  Each container will be evaluated and charged separately.
 
ALTERNATE:  Multiple specimens may be collected throughout the day and added to the same container.
 
NOTE:  If a culture is also requested on the same specimen, specimen should be submitted fresh in a sage container (without the alcohol fixative).​  Specimen must be sent to Microbiology for culturing BEFORE adding the alcohol fixative.​
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature
Sputum​ Refrigerate​
Interference
​Specimen is considered unsatisfactory if pulmonary macrophages are not present. Unfixed sputum may be unacceptable. Consult Cytopathology with questions, 800-222-5835, ext. 16155.
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
Marshfield​ Monday-Friday​ 2 day​s
 Light Microscopy​
Test Information
​Include specimen source, pertinent patient history, clinical information and appropriate ICD-10 code on the request form or electronic order.
 
If multiple specimens are collected, record the date and time of collection on each specimen container.  Each specimen must be accompanied by a separate electronic order or requisition form.


A fungal stain may be added to the order upon request.  Add the comment “Silver Stain" or “Fungal Stain" the electronic order comments section or write on the test requisition form.​


Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
​Marshfield Interpretative Report​
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
88104​ ​ ​ Cytology Smear(s) with Interpretation​ ​
88305​ ​

 ​ Cell Block​ ​
​​88312
​​​Special Stain
​
Synonyms/Keywords
​​​.Sputum For Cytology​
Ordering Applications
Ordering Application Description
If the ordering application you are looking for is not listed, contact your local laboratory for assistance.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)		 Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
Sputum​ Sage Container​ ​ Nont applicable
 ​ ​
Collection Processing
Specimen must be a "deep cough" specimen (not saliva).  Expectorate sample into a specimen cup (or sage container) containing 70% ethyl alcohol.
 
PREFERRED:  Collect an early morning specimen each day for 3 days and submit in separate containers.  Each container will be evaluated and charged separately.
 
ALTERNATE:  Multiple specimens may be collected throughout the day and added to the same container.
 
NOTE:  If a culture is also requested on the same specimen, specimen should be submitted fresh in a sage container (without the alcohol fixative).​  Specimen must be sent to Microbiology for culturing BEFORE adding the alcohol fixative.​
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature
Sputum​ Refrigerate​
Interference
​Specimen is considered unsatisfactory if pulmonary macrophages are not present. Unfixed sputum may be unacceptable. Consult Cytopathology with questions, 800-222-5835, ext. 16155.
Useful For
Cytologic examination of a sample from the upper respiratory tract for the detection and diagnosis of organisms, malignant neoplasms and other respiratory disorders.
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
​Marshfield Interpretative Report​
For more information visit:
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
Marshfield​ Monday-Friday​ 2 day​s
 Light Microscopy​
For billing questions, see Contacts
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
88104​ ​ ​ Cytology Smear(s) with Interpretation​ ​
88305​ ​

 ​ Cell Block​ ​
​​88312
​​​Special Stain
​
For most current information refer to the Marshfield Laboratory online reference manual.