Cervical cytology
Screening pathways integrated with HPV testing according to national programmes.
World time
Molecular Laboratory Clinic / Diagnostic discipline
Cytology
Assess individual cells and small cell groups from screening, fluid and needle-sampling pathways.
Purpose and scope
Evidence designed for the decision.
Cytology can provide minimally invasive diagnostic or screening information. Adequate sampling, prompt preparation, clinical context and correlation with imaging or histology are important because cellular material may be limited or unrepresentative.
Scope noteAvailability, recognised methods and accreditation status must be confirmed for the exact laboratory, location, test and sample type before use.
Specialist capabilities
A connected technical programme.
Panels are selected after the question, sample matrix, applicable limits, required sensitivity and reporting purpose are understood.
Fine-needle aspiration
Cellular assessment from palpable or image-guided lesions.
Body-fluid cytology
Assessment of pleural, peritoneal, cerebrospinal and other fluids.
Urine and respiratory cytology
Targeted cellular evaluation with risk-led ancillary testing.
Samples and evidence
Defined matrices.
Controlled handling.
Correct container, identity, preservation, temperature, transport and holding time are agreed before collection.
01Cervical samples02Fine-needle aspirates03Urine04Body fluids05Respiratory samples06Brushings and washings
The laboratory pathway
Confirm request, consent and patient identification
Collect and transport the correct specimen
Examine with validated methods and quality controls
Authorise, interpret and communicate the report
Authoritative framework
Primary guidance for quality and practice.
COHSEW summarises these sources; it does not reproduce standards or replace current national rules and competent professional judgement.
Need a programme for Cytology?