Fluid Cytology
Looks for malignant cells in urine, sputum or fluid drawn from a body cavity.
Also known as: urine cytology, pleural cytology, CSF cytology, cytopathology
Price on request
This one is done at the centre — it cannot be collected at home. Find your nearest branch.
- Turnaround
- 3–5 working days
- Preparation
- No fasting needed. Eat and drink normally.
- Sample
- In-clinic procedure
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About this test
Malignant cells shed into fluid, so cytology can identify cancer without a biopsy — in bladder cancer through urine, and in pleural or ascitic fluid where a collection is the presenting problem. A negative does not exclude cancer, but a positive is definitive.
What it measures
- Presence of malignant cells
- Cell type where identifiable
A note on results. A single test is one part of a clinical picture, not a diagnosis. Discuss your report with a qualified doctor, who will read it alongside your history and examination.
Related to
- Cancer screening
Often ordered with this
AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein)
A liver and germ-cell tumour marker, also used in antenatal screening.
- 24–48 hours
- No fasting
- Home collection
BCR-ABL
Diagnoses chronic myeloid leukaemia and measures response to treatment.
- 10–14 working days
- No fasting
- Home collection
Beta-2 Microglobulin
Used to stage myeloma and lymphoma, and to assess kidney handling.
- 3–5 working days
- No fasting
- Home collection