Gynaecological exfoliative cytology
The department is fully converted to Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) and acts as the processing hub for inner south-east London, processing in excess of 85,000 gynaecological specimens annually. Molecular diagnostic testing for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is also undertaken in partnership with Virology.
Non-gynaecological exfoliative cytology
This includes evaluation of body cavity fluids, and washings and brushings from various sites in the body. The ability to prepare cell blocks and treat fluid specimens like tissue blocks has remarkably improved the effectiveness of this technique in the detection of primary and metastatic cancer and also in the determination of the primary site of metastatic cancer.
Fine needle aspiration cytology
This is a quick, minimally invasive and cost-effective method of reaching a pathologic diagnosis on mass lesions and offers the opportunity to collect material for ancillary studies at the same time. The cytopathology consultants hold clinics for aspiration of palpable masses and also offer a mobile ward-based FNA service. The laboratory provides BMS support for radiologically aspirated lesions. In the vast majority of instances, adequacy is determined during the procedure to ensure that sufficient diagnostic material is available and to allow collection of additional material for ancillary studies like microbiology, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and cytogenetics. This approach often allows for a rapid, confident and complete diagnosis, obviating the need for a surgical biopsy in a large number of cases and reducing the overall diagnostic pathway of the patient.
Semen analysis
This includes routine semen analysis for infertility cases as well as evaluation of post-vasectomy specimens.
