CYTOPATHOLOGY - CPA Standard E1.2 (c)
Diagnostic Cytopathology involves the interpretation of cells that spontaneously exfoliate or are removed from tissues by abrasion or fine needle aspiration, such as specimens from the cervix, breast, thyroid, lymph node, liver, etc.
The Department of Cytopathology at IHS actively participates in all aspects of diagnostic cytopathology and is staffed by consultant cytopathologists, biomedical scientists and cervical screeners. All of our screeners hold the national certificate of competence in cervical screening and are fully accredited to examine liquid based cytology samples.
IHS offers an integrated cervical/gynaecological service, which includes full HPV testing / cytology smear to histological correlation (cone biopsy). In keeping with best practice, the same pathologist reports all cases. Digital imaging for cytology reports has recently been introduced to complement the pathology report and is useful for discussion in MDT meetings.
IHS has an unrivalled level of experience of liquid-based cytology and we have an automated processor enabling us to deal with a high volume of samples. We provide a fully comprehensive cervical screening service, including primary screening, checking and consultant opinion for conventional smears, ThinPrep and SurePath samples. As an adjunct to cervical screening we offer high risk HPV DNA testing on liquid based samples, along with PCR tests for gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
Consultant medical advice is available during and often outside routine office hours and we support both the independent sector and the NHS. Turnaround times for cervical screening cases are 24-48 hours and within 7 working days for NHS backlog cases. IHS offers a full processing and screening service to NHS Trusts, which includes locum reporting, ThinPrep processing and reporting, and SurePath screening.
Non-gynaecological cases may be received as fresh specimens, prepared using conventional or liquid-based techniques, or as un-stained or stained slides. Turnaround times are 24-48 hours or earlier if urgent.
Note: More complex specimens, and those specimens requiring additional testing, may take longer to produce the final report.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) has a widely recognized and established role as the initial diagnostic modality in most neoplastic and inflammatory disorders of the viscera and soft tissues. Our consultants provide a walk-in FNA clinic, typically serving head & neck specialists, general surgeons, endocrinologists and physicians. We also support one-stop breast clinics, a service which is rapidly expanding.
Through our association with academic units we are able to provide a fully comprehensive range of ancillary tests, including immunocytochemistry and genetic or molecular investigations. These latter techniques not only augment our morphological diagnoses in difficult cases, but often also provide important pathogenetic and prognostic information about these lesions.
Note: Some additional testing may be carried out by referral laboratories:
Immunocytochemistry is routinely carried out by UCHLAD
mRNA,PCA3 and gonorrhea’s are referred to RDLMB
For further information, please contact IHS also external expert opinions may be sought. In such circumstances the names and addresses of the referee will be available on request CPA Std E1.2(i), G2.4 (a)