Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Cellular examination to exclude or confirm presence of malignant cells. A mid-stream urine (M.S.U.) is usually collected, preferably about 30 minutes after a morning drink. Bladder Washing
These specimens are received from urology clinics from patients suspected of having bladder tumours (which project papillae like into the lumen of the bladder and exfoliate cells into the urine). The procedure consists of introducing a cystoscope into into the bladder through the urethra then flushing the bladder out with isotonic saline (in a similar way to obtaining a lavage specimen) then aspirating the saline plus cells into a washout container.
Specimen container adult:
25ml Universal Container
Minimum volume adult:
5ml
Special requirements:
Please ensure the correct specimen type on request form, voided, catheter, ileal conduit, bladder washing etc. It is highly important for the cytological evaluation and patient management to know if a sample is voided or has been obtained via some method of instrumentation.
Sample stability:
Can be stored at room temperature for short periods, or store in refrigerator (2 to 8oC)
Transport requirements:
Standard
Quality assurance:
NEQAS technical EQA scheme