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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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PTH, INTACT, FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATE

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2952    Geisinger Epic ID:  46339

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Fine needle aspirate, Parathyroid-tissue washings, non-lymph node washings, non-nodal soft tissue washings, or cervical node washings


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

1 ml (min 0.8) Fine needle aspirate, Parathyroid-tissue washings, non-lymph node washings, non-nodal soft tissue washings, or cervical node washings


Special notes: 

Collection Instructions: 25-gauge needle is inserted obliquely within the transducer plane of view and moved back and forth (passes) through the nodule to compensate for patient movement and needle deflection. There is no suction device; cells move into the needle via capillary action. After collection of the cytology samples, withdraw between 0.10 and 0.25 mL of saline up through each needle and empty this fluid back through the needle into a tube. This is the needle washing used for analysis. Repeat the passes and saline washings from the same biopsied site and empty contents into the same tube. The washes from all needles are pooled (final volume 1 mL). Inspect specimen for visible blood or tissue contamination. If bloody, centrifuge specimen and transfer supernatant to a new tube to send to the laboratory. The supernatant, not the cellular materials, is used for analysis. If the specimen is clear, centrifugation is not necessary.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Inspect specimen for visible blood or tissue contamination. If bloody, centrifuge specimen and transfer supernatant to a new tube to send to the laboratory. The supernatant, not the cellular materials, is used for analysis. If the specimen is clear, centrifugation is not necessary.


Transport temperature: 

Frozen.


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature: 2 hours. Refrigerated: 48 hours. Frozen: 28 days.


Rejection criteria: 

Specimens received room temperature. Specimens in glass tubes • Any specimen type other than those listed.



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  83970
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Methodology: 
Beckman Coulter Chemiluminescent
Synonyms: 

Quest test code 16560, PTHI, Intact Parathyroid Hormone FNA


Clinical significance: 

Surgical treatment of hyperparathyroidism relies on the ability to accurately identify parathyroid tissue. The use of fine-needle aspirate (FNA) with measurement of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in suspected parathyroid cysts or adenomas is used to identify parathyroid tissue and has been proven to be a useful surgical adjunct in the treatment of hyperparathyroidism.


Review Date:  12/17/2024

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