Ordering RecommendationRecommendations when to order or not order the test. May include related or preferred tests.
Establish diagnosis for mass lesions accessible by fine needle aspiration.
MnemonicUnique test identifier.
FA REQUEST
MethodologyProcess(es) used to perform the test.
Microscopy
PerformedDays of the week the test is performed.
Mon-Fri
ReportedExpected turnaround time for a result, beginning when ARUP has received the specimen.
1-5 days
New York DOH Approval StatusIndicates test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
Specimens from New York clients will be sent out to a New York DOH approved laboratory, if possible.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation
Collect
Fine Needle Aspirate. For specific instructions refer to Cytopathology Specimen Collection & Handling.
Specimen Preparation
Fluid: Transport all available specimen to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube in equal parts cytology fixative. Also acceptable: Unfixed fluid if submitted refrigerated within 24 hours. Slides: Transport specimen on fixed or unfixed slides.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Fresh UnfixedFluid: Refrigerated. Fixed Fluid: Room temperature. Also acceptable: Refrigerated. Fixed orUnfixed Slides: Room temperature. Also acceptable: Refrigerated.
Reference IntervalNormal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
Interpretive DataBackground information for test. May include disease information, patient result explanation, recommendations, details of testing, associated diseases, explanation of possible patient results.
Compliance Category
Varies by Report
NoteAdditional information related to the test.
Hotline History
N/A
CPT CodesThe American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published in ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory are provided for informational purposes only. The codes reflect our interpretation of CPT coding requirements based upon AMA guidelines published annually. CPT codes are provided only as guidance to assist clients with billing. ARUP strongly recommends that clients confirm CPT codes with their Medicare administrative contractor, as requirements may differ. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. ARUP Laboratories assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes published.
88173. This CPT code may also be reported in conjunction with aspiration of the specimen and/or evaluation of fine needle aspirate, immediate cytohistologic study to determine adequacy for diagnosis (88172, 88177). Additional CPT codes may be reported depending on the preparation methods, including 88305 or 88342.
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.
AliasesOther names that describe the test. Synonyms.