Welcome to our patient information page for Cytology
(Pap Tests and Body Fluids)
Whether you've been scheduled for a pap smear or fine needle aspiration and want to know more about
what these tests are, or are simply browsing--we hope you find all the information you need. If you do
need anything additional, please contact us,
or fill out a feedback form to let us know.
Laboratory Hours
Regular laboratory hours are 8 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m.
Contact Information
|
|
Main
Laboratory |
| Telephone |
360-575-9330, Cytology Lab
360-425-5620,
1-800-782-0625
|
| Fax |
360-423-1142 |
| Cytology email |
cyto@lcpath.com |
| Location Address |
1217 14th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632 |
Cytology
Glossary
| Cytology |
The study of cells. Your entire body is made up of
different types of cells--bone, skin, nerve, muscle, etc. The cytology laboratory is located in the pathology department of a hospital or a
private laboratory. |
| Pathology |
The study of
disease, particularly the structural and functional changes in cells,
tissues and organs of the body, which will lead to or are caused by
disease. A pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the
diagnosis of disease. |
| Pathologist |
A physician who is highly trained in the recognition and
diagnosis of both normal and diseased tissue. They are the directors of
laboratories, and they make diagnosis in the operating room by
performing what is called a frozen section. They
also perform diagnosis in the histology laboratory by analyzing tissue
from a patient to determine whether or not a disease process is involved.
If a disease is involved, the pathologist may perform certain tests on the
tissue to help determine the exact type of disease in order to help the
patient's clinician choose effective treatments. |
| Cytotechnologist |
Technologist who is
highly trained in the recognition of normal and abnormal cells in a
specimen. Responsible for overseeing and/or completing the accessioning,
preparation and staining of the cytology specimens. This individual is
also responsible for interpretation and diagnosis of negative pap smears.
Pap smears that are abnormal and body fluids are forwarded on to a
pathologist with the cytotechnologist's impressions for final
diagnosis. |
| Cytology
Assistant |
Specially trained
laboratory personnel responsible for accessioning, preparation and
staining of cytology specimens. These persons often attend fine needle
aspirations to ensure accurate preparation of the sample. They are also
responsible for computer data input and proper filing. |
| Accessioning |
Verifying patient
information; identifying type of specimen; dating and assigning lab
identification number. |
| Pap Smear |
A life-saving test
screening
that involves a gynecological exam. During the exam the clinician will
obtain cells by scraping the patient's cervical area and then placing
those cells into a Surepath vial. A slide is then prepared at the
laboratory with a Papanicalou stain (hence the name). The cells on the
slide are then viewed through a microscope to determine if there are
any cellular abnormalities. |
| Body Fluids |
These specimens are
obtained to determine if there are any cellular abnormalities. They
consist of urine, sputum (coughed from the lungs), body cavity fluid, like
abdominal fluid, and fine needle aspirations, which are the extraction of
cells from a lump that is palpable (can be felt) or seen on an X-ray. |
Visit our FAQ page for
answers to common questions.
We'd love to hear from you. Let us know what you think by
visiting our feedback page.
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