The Exfoliative service includes Gynecologic cytology (Papanicolaou tests), as well as the examination of body fluids (such as pleural, pericardial, peritoneal and cerebrospinal fluids), respiratory and urinary specimens. Our state of the art core laboratory processes both liquid-based and conventional pap tests with on-site ancillary testing for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

The Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy Service is active in the performance of superficial FNAs for outpatient and hospital patients. We see patients in our clinic and perform biopsies of palpable lesions as well as with the use of ultrasound for thyroid and other sites. We also provide rapid on-site interpretation for FNAs performed by interventionalists in other specialties. Diagnostic results are generally available within 24-48 hours. We routinely utilize other Duke University Health System laboratories to perform immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, molecular diagnostics and cytogenetics on FNA samples, and issue an integrated diagnostic report.

For Patients, please see this explanation of the FNA process.

All the Cytopathology faculty are certified in Cytopathology by the American Board of Pathology, and routinely work with both exfoliative and FNA cases. We have a long-standing ACGME accredited Cytopathology fellowship program.