Principle
To review cell counts on body fluids (Pleural, Pericardial, Abdominal, Synovial, and Cerebrospinal fluids) and exclude the presence of malignant cells or other significant abnormalities such as bacteria or crystals.

Submission
Send to the pathologist via the Uniship courier service.

Include a completed Clinical Pathology Requisition, cell counts, differential results, patient demographics and billing information, with one stained and one unstained cytospin slide.

Referral Criteria
What smears to send:

• Pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, BAL, amniotic, liver aspirate, eye, gastric: all smears.
• CSF:  Oncology patients or when malignancy is suspected.
• All body fluids:  abnormal-appearing or unidentifiable cells, possibly malignant cells, mononuclear cells in clusters, macrophages with ingested formed elements, and other cells that concern the technologist.

Interpretation
A written report will be issued.