Cytopathology

Our Cytopathology division provides a comprehensive range of services in the discipline of cytology (cellular pathology). Gynaecological and non-gynaecological tests are performed, as well as fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology.

We have three Cytology Units, located at Royal Adelaide Hospital, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Flinders Medical Centre, each directed by experienced cytopathologists and cytotechnologists.

Our cytopathologists also provide FNA services at Lyell McEwin Hospital, Modbury Hospital, Repatriation General Hospital and the Women's and Children's Hospital.

Clinical consultation

On-call clinical consultation phone: 08 8222 3000

Our cytopathologists are available to provide advice to clinicians on appropriate test selection, procedural techniques, result interpretation and case management. The Cytopathology division has medical and scientific expertise recognised at a national level.

Gynaecological (cervical) cytology

Cervical PAP tests for the early detection of cancer of the cervix and its precursors are analysed at the Royal Adelaide Hospital site laboratory. A routine conventional PAP smear service is provided for all patients. ThinPrep liquid-based cytology tests are performed as an optional addition.

Our Royal Adelaide Hospital facility is equipped with state-of-the-art new technology, namely the ThinPrep Imaging system, which enhances the accuracy of cytodiagnosis, and is the only system of its kind available in South Australia. Computerised rescreening of cervical cytology specimens is also utilised by the laboratory to maintain the highest possible standard of quality.

The laboratory assists smear-takers to monitor their patients and smear quality through a variety of communications.

HPV, chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests on ThinPrep specimens are conducted by the Microbiology and Infections Diseases division.

Non-gynaecological cytology

Cytological examination is performed on specimens from a wide variety of sources, such as the respiratory tract, urinary tract, body cavity fluids and cysts. These specimens are examined to detect the presence of any underlying malignancy or other cellular abnormality.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology

FNA cytology is a quick and reliable test for triaging the management of patients with mass lesions. Malignancy is detected with a high level of accuracy and a precise diagnosis can often be made for both benign and malignant conditions.

Cytopathologists perform rapid FNA cytodiagnosis of solid mass lesions at the seven major metropolitan public hospitals; Royal Adelaide Hospital, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Flinders Medical Centre, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Modbury Hospital, Repatriation General Hospital and Women's and Children's Hospital. 

Outpatient FNA clinics are available for patients with palpable lesions and bookings are made with either the relevant Cytology Unit or hospital-based patient collection centre.

For impalpable deep-seated lesions requiring imaging-guidance, FNA procedures are performed by arrangement through bookings made with the hospital Radiology Departments.

A cytodiagnostic service is also provided for FNA specimens obtained by clinicians practising in hospitals and the community.

Ancillary tests

Immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry for analysis of lymphocyte surface markers, electron microscopy, microbiology, chemical pathology and molecular pathology facilities are all readily available within our organisation.

The comprehensive nature of these services enables extensive testing of cytology specimens to be undertaken, when required, for the diagnosis of unusual and complex cases.

Teaching and research

The Cytopathology division coordinates postgraduate training programs in cytology for anatomical pathology registrars and cytotechnologists. Collaborative and applied research projects are encouraged.