Cytopathology & FNA Clinic

Gynecologic specimens include exfoliative vaginal, cervical, and endocervical specimens, conventional smears and samples in thin layer media. We use the ThinPrep® method for processing thin layer samples.

Anal Cytology is also routinely performed. Both conventional smears and thin layer media samples may be submitted. We use the ThinPrep® method for processing thin layer samples.

For information about how to submit samples, please call 415-885-7301.

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsies of palpable lesions are performed in our Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Clinic Mt. Zion Hospital and at the Mission Bay Medical Center. On-site assistance is also provided for image-guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy procedures at all locations. FNA samples from all sites are routinely evaluated.

Body Cavity Fluid Samples from sites including pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, ascites, peritoneal washings and synovial fluid are routinely evaluated at all sites.
Urine (voided and instrumented), bladder washings, ureteral brushings, and urethral brushings are routinely evaluated at all sites.

Gastrointestinal specimens from sites such as esophagus, stomach, bile duct, duodenum, and colon are routinely evaluated at all sites.
Respiratory specimens including sputum, bronchial brushings, and bronchial washings are routinely evaluated at all sites.

Central nervous systems specimens, including cerebrospinal fluid and brain cyst samples are routinely evaluated at all sites.

Various other sample types, such as breast nipple discharge, are also routinely evaluated at all sites.

For information about how to submit samples, please see the attached Non-Gynecologic Cytology requisition form.

Any palpable lesion of concern may be biopsied by Fine Needle Aspiration, with on-site adequacy evaluation and rapid turn-around time.

For more information about this service, please see the attached flyer or call 415-353-7043.