Anatomic Pathology Services - Cytology Laboratory

Section of Anatomic Pathology Services

Cytology Laboratory Contact Information:

Chris Jensen, MD Cytology Director 319-356-3217 chris-jensen@uiowa.edu	Michael B. Cohen, MD Cytology Faculty 319-384-9609 michael-cohen@uiowa.edu
Laila Dahmoush, MD Cytology Faculty 319-356-4440 laila-dahmoush@uiowa.edu	Robert A. Robinson, MD, PhD Cytology Faculty 319-356-4163 robert-a-robinson@uiowa.edu

Cytology is a multifaceted laboratory performing service, education and scholarly work. The service area of the laboratory is responsible for preparation, staining and microscopic examination of patient samples. The cytologic samples may be used for screening (cervical-vaginal), a diagnosis (FNA), or (when a cytology is performed in conjunction with a surgical procedure) improving the overall diagnostic accuracy (brushes, washes).

Cytology also has a pathologist-based Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) service located in the Pappajohn Cancer Center for palpable masses. The pathologists' also travel to Radiology or other service area for FNA of non-palpuble throracic, abdominal and soft tissue masses.

The specimen volume is 24,377 annually, with 18,697 gynecological (Pap test) and 5,680 non-gynecological cases. As expected with a referral center, approximately 17% of gynecologic and 30% of non-gynecologic cases are abnormal.

The cytotechnologist microscopically examines the morphologic features of the cells, relates these findings to the patient's clinical history, and renders a cytologic impression. The pathologist reviews all gynecological and all non-gynecologic slides for final interpretation. The cytologic diagnosis is used to aid the clinician with patient diagnosis, assist with patient management and provides a means to follow the success of cancer therapy.

Click here for information on the Cytology Fellowship Program