Cytology - Pleural Aspiration Fluid
Cytology is the study of cells and tissues of the body. Cells and Tissues were examined under the microscope to detect abnormal cancerous cells and other inflammatory diseases. Pleural Fluid is found in between the Lung tissues. Pleural Fluid Cytology helps to find the abnormal cancer cells in the lungs.
Pleural Fluid: Cytology:
Why Pleural Fluid - Cytology Test?
CLINICAL INFORMATION
Pleural Fluid (specimen fluid) is collected from pleural space (area between the lining of the lungs – ‘Pleura’, and in between the chest wall by thoracentesis - needle inserted between the ribs to aspirate pleural fluid biopsy). The pleural fluid aspirate is done to perform analysis to find the cause of pleural effusion, to differentiate it, either of a transudate or exudate – in origin (for differential diagnosis), which has caused that extra fluid leak into the pleural space. Therefore the test results (confirms a definitive diagnosis), hence determines the mode of treatment needed, accordingly. For eg., if the pleural effusion is confirmed from the specimen analysis (of an exudative type), medical treatment is initiated as required. Furthermore, additional tests are conducted such as cell counts - differential, glucose and cytological analysis (eg. adenosine deaminase (ADA) test for confirmation of TB). Cytology of pleural fluid: Cytology is a study that examines the study of cells under a microscope. Pleural Fluid cytology is a test that examines the study of cells in the given sample specimen (pleural fluid) studied under a microscopic examination. Hence a cytological examination of pleural fluid also helps to screen, for the identification of the presence of harmful infectious micro-organisms along with inflammatory cells like WBCs etc. The identification of the infectious causative agent is thus reported in test results (eg. Gram-positive or Gram-negative) helps to arrive at a definite diagnosis for starting effective medication (such as broad-spectrum or narrow-spectrum antibiotics) against it. Usually, the cytology studies also reveal if the exudative effusion from given the sample specimen contains any cancerous cells (Lung cancer among chronic smokers) or inflammatory cells (like WBCs, pus cells etc in TB - AFB, which are found in chronic respiratory infections). Symptoms include shortness of breath and coughing due to excess fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity. Other tests include chest X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds etc.
General Instructions:
Sample Requirement: Specimen – Pleural fluid. Test Preparation: None.
NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition/cases according to the patient’s presenting complaints/signs or symptoms:
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.
This Multi-Specialty Clinical Referral Laboratory RTDIAGNOSTICS provides precise and accurate tests with an extensive range of testing services to the medical centres to help in the diagnosis and identification of pathology in the test specimens for infectious diseases and also to evaluate the function of organ systems of the patient. It prevents further complications and helps to stabilize and restore health to near normalcy at the earliest without delay.
