Cytology

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Technician loading slides onto a laboratory microscope

Cytology Tests in Navi Mumbai: FNAC, Pap Smear and Fluids

Cytology is the study of individual cells under a microscope. Cells taken from a lump, the cervix or a body fluid are placed on a glass slide, stained and examined. If your doctor has asked for a cytology test in Navi Mumbai, Sun Diagnostics accepts samples at its Seawoods, Taloja and Vashi centres.

Sun Diagnostics is a pathologist-led lab, and cytology reports are reviewed by a pathologist. Your treating doctor reads the report together with your examination and other test results.

Cytology tests we cover

Your doctor’s prescription will say which of these tests is needed.

  • FNAC: a thin needle draws a few cells from a lump in the neck, breast, thyroid or a lymph node. This is our lump test (FNAC).
  • Pap smear: cells are gently brushed from the cervix to look for early changes, usually as part of routine screening for women.
  • Urine cytology: a urine sample is checked for abnormal cells from the bladder or urinary tract. It is different from a routine urine test.
  • Sputum cytology: mucus coughed up from the lungs is examined for abnormal cells. It may be requested along with a sputum test for infection.
  • Body fluid cytology: fluid drained from around the lungs, the abdomen or a joint is examined for the type of cells present.
  • CSF cytology: cerebrospinal fluid, collected by a doctor in hospital, is examined for cells that are not normally found in it.

When a doctor asks for cytology

Common reasons a doctor requests cytology include:

  • A lump or swelling in the neck, breast, thyroid or under the skin that has not settled.
  • Routine cervical screening, or follow-up of an earlier Pap smear result.
  • Blood in the urine with no clear cause.
  • A long-standing cough or blood-stained sputum.
  • Fluid that has collected in the chest or abdomen.

Cytology may be done for screening, when you have no symptoms, or to investigate a specific problem. A biopsy may be advised to confirm the result. For wider screening, see our cancer screening packages and ask which tests are included.

Sample and preparation

Fasting is not usually needed for cytology. Preparation depends on the sample.

  • FNAC: taken by a doctor, and the procedure itself is short. Tell the doctor if you take blood-thinning medicines or have a bleeding problem.
  • Pap smear: taken by a doctor. It is usually avoided during a period, and you may be asked to avoid intercourse, douching and vaginal creams for about two days beforehand.
  • Urine: the first urine of the morning is usually not used. Ask the lab which sample to bring.
  • Sputum: usually an early morning sample coughed up from deep in the chest, after rinsing the mouth with water. Saliva is not suitable.
  • Fluids: collected by your doctor in a clinic or hospital and sent to the lab in a sealed, labelled container.

Please tell the lab about your symptoms, the date of your last period for a Pap smear, and any pregnancy or hormone treatment. Bring the doctor’s prescription and any earlier cytology or biopsy reports.

Booking, home collection and our centres

To book a cytology test in Navi Mumbai, call or WhatsApp +91 95183 81830, or use the contact us page. FNAC and Pap smear samples are taken by a doctor, so they need an appointment and are not done at home. Please call first to confirm the centre and timing.

Urine, sputum and fluid samples can be brought to our walk-in centres at Seawoods (main lab), Taloja or Vashi. Home sample collection is available in Navi Mumbai for blood and urine samples. Ask when you book whether it suits the test you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FNAC painful?

Most people describe FNAC as similar to a blood test or an injection. The needle is thin and the procedure is brief. The area may feel sore or show a small bruise for a day or two. Speak to your doctor if the soreness or swelling does not settle.

Can a cytology sample be collected at home?

FNAC and Pap smear cannot be done at home because a doctor takes the sample. Urine, sputum and fluid samples may be brought to our Seawoods, Taloja or Vashi centre. Home collection in Navi Mumbai covers blood and urine samples, so please ask when booking.

Does an abnormal cytology report mean cancer?

Not necessarily. Abnormal or atypical cells are often linked to infection, inflammation or other non-cancerous changes. The report describes what the pathologist sees in the cells. Your doctor interprets it along with your examination and other tests, and may advise a repeat test or a biopsy.

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