Cytopathology for the 21st century

Cytopathology is in the process of rapid change as advances in technology have provided new tools to the clinician and pathologist. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) has been used as a diagnostic technique since the 1970s, however, in recent years, its role has markedly expanded as advanced imaging technology and new instrumentation for obtaining samples has made virtually any body site accessible through minimally invasive methodologies.

Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has become the method of choice for almost all pancreatic mass lesions owing to its improved resolution of small lesions and for its ability to diagnose and stage patients during the same procedure. EUS-FNA is clinically very useful for establishing the diagnosis of abdominal lymphadenopathy of unknown cause and can provide sufficient tissue for immunohistochemistry and subtyping of lymphomas.

EUS-FNA is the method of choice for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) and other intra-abdominal masses.

Endobronchial ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (EBUS-FNA) is replacing mediastinoscopy in the evaluation of patients with a radiographically abnormal mediastinum. 


A crucial component for the success of EUS-FNA and EBUS-FNA is to have an experienced consultant cytopathologist examine the cellular aspirate onsite in the endoscopy suite. This practice ensures accurate and consistent results for delivering a preliminary onsite diagnosis as well as ensuring that the specimen aspirated is adequate for cytological diagnosis and that the appropriate ancillary tests are requested without delay.

Dr Glen Dixon, Lead Cytopathologist at Unilabs/IHS, is currently providing onsite cytopathology support at the London Bridge Hospital (EBUS-FNA) and the Wellington Hospital (EUS-FNA).

We continue to offer a state-of-the-art, cytopathologist-led, rapid FNA cytology service for patients with palpable lumps e.g. thyroid, head and neck, lymph nodes, salivary glands, subcutaneous lumps etc. Our cytopathology team are able to offer this service to you and your patients in a comfortable outpatient setting in our facility at 148 Harley Street. We are also able to provide onsite FNA cytology support to radiologists working in ultrasound clinics and clinicians working in specialist head and neck and thyroid clinics within the London area.

For further information about any of these services or to request onsite cytopathology support please contact the cytology department on: 020 7299 4494 or email ihsenquiries@unilabs.com.