Why the test is performed
To examine cells shed into a body fluid for malignancy, inflammation or other abnormalities.
World time
Laboratory Testing Online / Histopathology & Cytology
Body Fluid Cytology
To examine cells shed into a body fluid for malignancy, inflammation or other abnormalities.Test profileHIBody Fluid Cytology
Test and specimen
What is being examined?
- Test
- Body Fluid Cytology
- Department
- Histopathology & Cytology
- Typical sample or measurement
- Pleural, peritoneal, cerebrospinal or other body fluid
Before the test
The sample is collected through a clinician-performed procedure with site-specific consent and safety preparation.
Clinical interpretation
Laboratory results should be interpreted by a qualified professional using the correct reference interval, method, symptoms, history and other findings. A normal or abnormal value rarely confirms or excludes a condition by itself.
What the test is used for
Investigating unexplained fluid collections, suspected cancer spread or selected inflammatory and infectious processes.
How the test is performed
Fresh fluid is concentrated, prepared on slides or a cell block, stained and examined; ancillary tests may use residual material.
Conditions and diseases considered
Used in cancer, serosal inflammation and selected central-nervous-system or infectious pathways; sensitivity varies by tumour and specimen.
Recommended further tests
Cell block immunostains, flow cytometry, microbiology, chemistry tests, biopsy or imaging.
Primary public reference
Continue with the official patient guide.
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