Cytopathology
Cytopathology Overview
Expertise Behind Every Diagnosis
At Sagis, we take pride in our dedicated team of board-certified cytopathologists who provide accurate, timely, and clinically relevant diagnostic services. With extensive experience in both hospital-based and outpatient settings, our cytopathology team brings a high level of precision and consistency to every specimen we review.
Meet the Experts
Pathology Specialists
Our pathologists are readily available for direct phone consultations, providing timely, accessible answers to your clinical questions.
Meet the Experts
Pathology Specialists
Our pathologists are readily available for direct phone consultations, providing timely, accessible answers to your clinical questions.
MD, MSc, FCAP
MD
MD, MPH
MD
MD
Precision in Every Specimen
Cytopathology Services
Our services encompass a wide range of specimen types, including fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples, urinary cytology, superficial masses, and body fluid evaluations—such as pleural, peritoneal, and cerebrospinal fluids. Each case is interpreted with a meticulous approach and, when appropriate, correlated with histologic and immunocytochemical findings to maximize diagnostic clarity.
Cytology
Collection Guide
Microscopic examination for cytologic abnormalities, and aid in diagnosis of certain infections.
Service, Accuracy, and Collaboration
Sagis also serves as a trusted cytopathology reference lab for respected institutions nationwide. Whether providing primary diagnoses for time-sensitive cases or expert consultation on diagnostically complex specimens, we deliver actionable results that support confident clinical decisions. Our pathologists are readily accessible for direct consultation, reinforcing our commitment to service, accuracy, and collaboration.
Cytology Test Menu
Specimen types: Fresh fluid specimens; FNA specimens in cytology fixative; direct smear slides; brushings collected in cytology fixative; washings fresh or collected in cytology fixative
Services: Technical Component, Professional Services, Global Services, and Consultations
On the Cutting Edge of Patient-Focused Lab Services
Accurate Results. Reliable Partnership.
Sagis is a full-service pathology and laboratory testing provider, partnering with physicians, clinics, and health systems to deliver accurate, timelyresults. Our board-certified pathologists, laboratory experts, and responsive client services team work together to support better clinical decision-making and patient care.
Whether you need pathology interpretations, toxicology testing, or specialized lab services, Sagis offers the expertise, technology, and personalized service that help elevate your standard of care.
We are here to help
Frequently
asked questions
If your question isn’t addressed below, please contact us
About Cytopathology
What is cytopathology?
Cytopathology is a subspecialty of pathology that evaluates cells on their own, without the surrounding tissue architecture that provides context in a biopsy. Rather than examining surgical tissue samples, cytopathologists assess cells collected through fine needle aspiration (FNA), brushings, and body fluid specimens such as urine, ascites, pleural fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid. This approach allows for rapid, minimally invasive assessment of a wide range of conditions, from infections to malignancies.
What specimen types and conditions does Sagis evaluate through cytopathology?
Our cytopathology services encompass fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples, urinary cytology, superficial masses, and body fluid evaluations, including pleural, peritoneal, and cerebrospinal fluid. We also evaluate brushings, washings, sputum, and other specimen types such as anal/rectal cytology and miscellaneous smears (Tzanck smear, nipple secretion, oral cytology, and ocular cytology). Please note that we DO NOT accept cervicovaginal (Pap) smears for cervical cancer screening.
Working with Sagis
How should cytology specimens be collected and submitted?
Collection requirements vary by specimen type. FNA samples should be placed in cytology fixative, or RPMI if a hematolymphoid process is suspected. Fluid specimens are typically sent fresh and refrigerated, or in fixative depending on volume. Brushings and smears should be fixed immediately per our collection guide. Consult our full Cytopathology Specimen Collection Guide for reference.
What ancillary testing does Sagis perform to support a cytology diagnosis?
When a case requires additional workup, our team correlates cytologic findings with histologic and immunocytochemical studies to maximize diagnostic clarity and support a confident, actionable diagnosis. When adequate material is available, we can also prepare a cell block, enabling additional studies such as immunohistochemistry and molecular testing.
What is the turnaround time for cytology results?
Routine cytology cases are typically reported within 24 to 48 hours of specimen receipt.
Is Sagis accredited?
Yes. Sagis is a CAP- and CLIA-accredited medical diagnostic laboratory based in Houston, Texas. We also hold a Clinical Laboratory Permit from the New York State Department of Health. These accreditations reflect a rigorous commitment to quality, accuracy, and consistency in laboratory testing and reporting.
What makes Sagis's cytopathology service different from other laboratories?
Our cytopathology team is board certified and brings extensive experience from both hospital-based and outpatient settings, with decades of combined expertise across thyroid FNA and a wide range of other specimen types. Referring physicians have direct access to our pathologists for consultation and second opinions.
How do I set up service to submit hematopathology specimens to Sagis?
Setting up service is straightforward. Contact your local sales rep to establish your account by finding your territory rep using our Find My Sales Rep Map or by submitting our Become A New Client form. Once your account is active, specimen supplies, requisition forms, and courier services can be ordered through your rep or via our Supplies & Requests portal.
Reports & Physician Support
How will I receive my cytology results?
Sagis can work with all EMRs for electronic reporting. Results are also available through our secure online portal, which provides immediate access to finalized reports. Critical or unexpected findings are communicated directly and promptly.
Can I consult directly with a cytopathologist about a case?
Absolutely. Direct access to our pathologists is one of the things that sets Sagis apart. We are readily available for one-on-one consultation, whether you have a question before submitting a specimen or want to discuss a finalized report.
Does Sagis serve as a reference lab for cytopathology cases from other institutions?
Yes. We serve as a trusted cytopathology reference lab for institutions nationwide, providing both primary diagnoses for time-sensitive cases and expert consultation on diagnostically complex specimens.