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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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BREAST NIPPLE DISCHARGE

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB4098    Geisinger Epic ID:  17605

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Breast Nipple Discharge


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

Labeled glass slides with smear specimen, with two patient identifiers. Fix slides in 95% ethanol.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Label glass slides with two patient identifiers. Smear nipple secretion directly on glass slide. Spray with fixative.


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature in slide mailer.


Rejection criteria: 

Inadequate patient identifiers on specimen, unlabeled specimen, discrepancy between patient specimen and requisition information, improper collection.



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  88161
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.

Test includes: 

Cytologic evaluation.


Methodology: 
Microscopic Smear
Synonyms: 

Nipple secretion, breast discharge, nipple, nipple discharge, Cytology unspecified procedure


Clinical significance: 

Detection of malignant cells or characterization of components in nipple discharge specimens.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Sara Monaco MD
Review Date:  10/21/2024

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