Cytology

• Fine-needle aspiration cytology: Small needles can be used to collect cellular material from abscesses, lymph nodes, tumors, and organs. Microscopic analysis aids in categorizing disease as inflammatory (e.g., abscess caused by bacteria, blastomycosis), neoplastic (cancer), degenerative, hemorrhagic, or as a normal response to another disease process.

• Analysis of body fluids: Fluid that collects in the chest or abdominal cavity may contain cells that have come from diseased organs within those cavities. Gross inspection, quantification of cells within the fluid, and microscopic analysis can lead to a specific diagnosis or may give clues to the underlying disease. Other examples of fluids that can be analyzed are cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and synovial (joint) fluid.

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