Cytopathology: Gastrointestinal

CPT Code(s):

88173; this CPT code may also be reported in conjunction with aspiration of the specimen (10021) and/or immediate on-site evaluation of the specimen (88172). Additional CPT codes, such as 88106, 88108 and/or 88305, may be reported, depending on the preparation methods.

Specimen Requirements:

For FNA specimen requirements and collection instructions, refer to Cytopathology: Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) in this directory.

Unacceptable Conditions:

  1. Air-dried specimens
  2. Excessively thick smears
  3. Excessively bloody samples
Stability (collection to initiation of testing):

  • Ambient:
    • Slides: Indefinitely
    • ThinPrep®: 3 weeks
    • SurePath®: 4 weeks

Use:

This test is used to detect GI tract malignancy and abnormalities.

Methodology:

Cytopathology

Reported:

1 - 3 days

Performed:

Monday - Friday