The Cytology laboratory provides interpretation of gynecological and non-gynecological specimens using modern, state-of-the-art methods and instrumentation. Vivid Pathology has a team of board-certified cytopathologists and anatomic pathologists with experienced cytotechnologists that work together to provide an accurate diagnosis of every sample. Diagnostic criteria and reporting terminology are kept current based on the latest standard of care. Our CAP-accredited laboratory adheres to regulatory protocols for quality control and quality improvement in order to ensure consistent, accurate results.
Cytology refers to a branch of pathology, the medical specialty that deals with making diagnoses of diseases and conditions through the examination of tissue samples from the body. Cytologic examinations may be performed on body fluids (examples are blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid) or on material that is aspirated (drawn out via suction into a syringe) from the body. Cytology also can involve examinations of preparations that are scraped or washed (irrigated with a sterile solution) from specific areas of the body. For example, a common example of diagnostic cytology is the evaluation of cervical smears (referred to as the Papanicolaou test or Pap smear). In order for cytologic evaluation to be carried out, the material to be examined is spread onto glass slides and stained. A pathologist then uses a microscope to examine the individual cells in the sample.