Fine Needle Aspiration

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is performed primarily for the diagnosis of cancer, but also includes the diagnosis of precancerous lesions, inflammatory/infectious processes and benign tumors. FNA of palpable lesions may be conducted by pathologists from Cytopathology or by providers experienced in FNA collection procedures. FNA of deep-seated lesions is performed by radiologists with the assistance of Cytopathology. Anatomic sites amenable to FNA include:

Abdomen
Adrenal
Axilla
Breast
Bone
Head and Neck Lesions
Kidney
Liver
Lung
Lymph Nodes
Miscellaneous masses
Ovary
Pancreas
Pelvis
Retroperitoneum
Soft Tissue
Thyroid

All FNA samples should be accompanied by a completed FAHC (white/blue/red) Surgical Pathology/Non-Gyn Cytology requisition. The requisition should include appropriate patient demographic information, billing address and insurance information, clinical diagnosis code, anatomic source, collection method of the sample and relevant clinical information.

To schedule a pathologist collect FNA of palpable lesions contact Cytopathology at (802) 847-5136 (Mon-Fri, 7:30-4:00). Same day scheduling is generally not possible, but it most instances can be accommodated the next weekday. FNA of deep-seated lesions is coordinated through the Radiology Department (802) 847-3593.

For FNA samples collected by providers other than Cytopathology and Radiology, samples should be delivered fresh to Cytopathology (Mon-Fri, 7:30-4:00). Cytology fixative (CytoLyt) is available on request. Please call Cytopathology at (802) 847-5136 with any questions prior to collection of the sample.

Results from FNA specimens are usually available within 2 business days unless ancillary testing is required, which may delay results.

Surgical Pathology/Non-Gyn Cytology Requisition
This lab requisition is available from Lab Customer Service. Please call 1-800-991-2799 or 847-5121 to order your customized requisitions.

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