Cytology

Cytology is a branch of Anatomy-pathology that makes it possible to discriminate benign and malignant lesions by studying the morphological changes of cells that detach from the surface of a tumor and collect in liquids, cavity washes or smears of body surfaces as well as cells that are obtained by fine-needle aspiration from tumor lesions.

Areas of expertise

Medical skills
  • Diagnostic investigation of tumor lesions by fine-needle aspiration that allows examination of cells obtained from superficial or deep organs and lesions, with or without the aid of radiological guidance (e.g., thyroid, lymph node, salivary gland tumors, etc.).
  • Diagnosis by exfoliative cytology: this is the most straightforward technique because of the simplicity of collecting diagnostic material as cells are detached from a tumor surface or lesion and collected in fluids or body cavity washes (e.g. pleural effusions, ascites, body cavity or bronchial tree washes, urine, etc.).
  • Cervical cancer screening (Pap test): an examination that can rapidly detect the presence of changes in the cells of the cervix, thus identifying early women at risk of developing cervical cancer.
Technical skills
  • Preparation and evaluation of cytological smears under the microscope.
  • Cytochemical and immunocytochemical analysis.
  • HPV-DNA test that detects and identifies HPV (human papilloma virus) genotypes associated with high or low risk of inducing neoplastic lesions.
  • CINtec PLUS to detect integration of the viral genome with that of the infected cell.
  • Test for qualitative DNA detection of bacteria responsible for the development of chlamydia and gonorrhea.

How to request materials for sending cytology preparations

The Canton Institute of Pathology EOC provides the following materials upon request:

  • Test Request Forms.
  • Thin Prep Pap Test (25-pack).
  • Thin Prep Preserv Cyt Solution (25-pack).
  • Cytolyt Solution (10 ml/Falcon blue cap).
  • Rovers Cervex Brush (bag of 25 pcs).
  • Conical tip spatulas (Profile LBC/box of 100 pcs).
  • Round-tipped spatulas (box of 100 pcs).
  • Ayre wooden spatulas (box of 100 pcs).
  • Plastic Ayre spatulas (box of 250 pcs).
  • Stamped envelopes (A Mail).
  • Slide holders.
  • Slides (box of 50 pcs).
  • Fixative spray.
  • Large wadded sticks 20 cm (envelope of 50 pcs).
  • Small wadded sticks 15 cm (envelope of 100 pcs).

Recommendations for sending cytology preparations

Cytologic diagnostics presupposes proper sampling technique and suitable methods of preparation of preparations. The main recommendations inherent in the methods of preparation refer to the fixation of the material taken; in fact, inadequate fixation impairs the microscopic evaluation of the cells. To overcome this drawback, we recommend observing the precautions listed in the Vademecum.

Important

  • Dispatch to the laboratory should be as fast as possible.
  • Use the ICP courier service with collection points at all EOC hospitals and private clinics in Canton Ticino (pickup every working day at 16h00).
  • Store the material in the refrigerator at 4°C until collection, including weekends and/or midweek holidays.
  • Needle aspiration strips can be sent by A Mail.
  • If necessary, contact the clinical cytology service for instructions on how to send them.
  • Fixation materials and slides can be requested from the cytology service via the appropriate form.

Doctors

Contact

Istituto di Diagnostica Integrata della Svizzera Italiana

Laboratorio di Citologia

Clinica di Patologia, Locarno

  • Orari di risposta al telefono
    Monday : 08:00 - 12:00 / 12:00 - 18:00
    Tuesday : 08:00 - 12:00 / 12:00 - 18:00
    Wednesday : 08:00 - 12:00 / 12:00 - 18:00
    Thursday : 08:00 - 12:00 / 12:00 - 18:00
    Friday : 08:00 - 12:00 / 12:00 - 18:00

  • Chiusura dell’ambulatorio
    Saturday
    Sunday

Locations

The Cytology Service reports to the Cantonal Institute of Pathology located in Locarno on Via in Selva.

The English version of this page was created with the aid of automatic translation tools and may contain errors and omissions.
The original version is the page in Italian.