Laboratory Medicine Program

Thyroglobulin and Anti-thyroglobulin, Fine Needle Aspirate

Clinical Decription:
Up to 50% of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients have metastatic neck lymph nodes at their initial presentation and/or during post-operative follow-up. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is performed to detect neck lesions suspicious for DTC metastases. The measurement of thyroglobulin and anti-thyroglobulin in fluids from FNA is used in combination with cytology to achieve high relevance particularly in cases involving small, partially cystic, lymph nodes.

Method: ECLIA

Component Tests Used: n/a

Reference Ranges Used:
N/A

Specimen Type: Fine Needle Aspirate
Volume: 3 mL mL (minimum: 3 mL)

Shipping: Room temperature

Special Instructions: After collecting the cytology specimen, use a new needle and syringe to aspirate additional sample. Rinse the contents with 1 mL of isotonic (0.9%) saline and dispense into a sterile container that does not contain CytoLyt. Using the same 1 mL of saline, rinse the needle and syringe 2–3 times to ensure complete washout of the specimen. Please ensure that the total volume of saline used for the washout is 1 mL. Cap the sterile container and send it directly to the Core Laboratory, ensuring it is submitted separately from the cytology specimen.

Testing Schedule(s): Monday to Friday.

Turnaround Time: 3 to 5 days

For more information, call 416.340.5227 or 1.866.865.5227