Cytology, Sputum




CPT Codes

  • 88108 - QTY (1)

Performing Laboratory

Cleveland Clinic Laboratories


Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
UnspecifiedSputumClean container  If obtained at night or weekends, refrigerate

Days Performed

Mon - Fri

Turnaround Time

1 day

Methodology

Name Description
Microscopy 

Special Info

Collect fresh early morning or random expectorated deep cough sputum in plastic sputum trap container. Allow patient time to expectorate into sputum container. Transport specimen ASAP to cytology lab. If obtained at night or weekends, refrigerate. Do not fix specimen. Label container (not cap or lid) with patient's name, unique identifier and date. If macrophages are not identified, specimen will be reported as unsatisfactory for adequate evaluation; for induced sputa, contact inhalation therapy. REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: Specimen must be accompanied by Cytology requisition giving patient's name, age, clinic number, clinician, clinical history, procedure location, specimen submitted, time and date.

Clinical Info

Evaluation for atypical cells suspicious or diagnostic of malignancy Interpretation by Pathologist.