Version July 2025
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What is cytology? —
This is the study of cells using a microscope. The doctor or lab staff looks at the cells found in a sample of fluid or tissue. They look to see if the cells are normal or not.
Only a very small sample of tissue or fluid is needed for cytology.
Why might I get a cytology test? —
Your doctor might order this test to:
●Look for certain illnesses
●Check for precancerous or cancer cells
●Learn about the kinds of cells in a fluid in the body
What happens during cytology? —
Doctors can take tissue or fluid samples for cytology in a few ways. The most common include:
●Collecting cells by scraping or brushing the tissue – An example is swabbing the inside of the cheek for a Pap test.
●Collecting body fluid, like urine or drainage from the eye
●Using a fine needle to collect fluid from part of the body – An example is collecting cerebrospinal fluid during a lumbar puncture.
●Rinsing an area with a special fluid to collect cells
The fluid or cells are placed on a slide, and the doctor looks at them with a microscope.
What do my results mean? —
Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to expect your results, and will contact you with the results. Or if you use an online "patient portal," you might get an alert there when your results are ready.
If your cytology shows any abnormal results, your doctor or nurse will talk to you about what to do next. They might need to do more tests to figure out the cause.
If you do have a health problem, your doctor will work with you to come up with a plan for treatment.
Patient education: Cancer screening (The Basics)
Patient education: Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) (The Basics)
Patient education: Fluid in the belly from cirrhosis (ascites) (The Basics)
