Cytopathology examines individual cells or small cell groups to support diagnosis. The report must be interpreted with the clinical history.
The required sample depends on the test and may include tissue, cells, blood, urine or another body fluid.
Preparation varies. Follow the collection instructions and tell the team about medicines, fasting or recent treatment.
Turnaround depends on specimen quality, test complexity and whether additional methods or specialist review are needed.
The referring clinician combines the report with symptoms, examination and other tests to decide the next step.