Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) of the Pancreas with Cytogenetic Guidance
This test involves a guided needle procedure to collect cells from the pancreas for detailed examination, often to diagnose conditions like tumors or inflammation.
["A specialized procedure to analyze pancreatic tissue under medical supervision for potential cancer or other abnormalities."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30605-0
- Short code
- CT Guided Pancreas FNA
- Synonyms
- CT Guided Pancreas FNA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 136
- Ref high
- 145
- Critical range
- 120 N/A – 160 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- CPT
- 84295
- SNOMED
- 110741000
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is the Purpose of This Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if they suspect a mass, cyst, or other abnormality in the pancreas. The procedure uses imaging (like ultrasound or CT) to guide a fine needle into the pancreas to collect cells for microscopic review. This helps determine if cancer or other conditions are present.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
You’ll likely receive local anesthesia to numb the area. A doctor or radiologist will insert a thin needle under imaging guidance to collect cells from the pancreas. The procedure usually takes about 30–60 minutes. You may feel pressure or discomfort but shouldn’t experience significant pain.
What Are the Possible Risks?
Common risks include minor bruising, bleeding, or infection at the needle site. Rarely, complications like pancreatitis or damage to nearby organs may occur. Your doctor will discuss risks with you before the procedure.
What Happens After the Test?
After the procedure, you’ll rest for a short time before going home. Follow-up tests or imaging may be needed to check for any immediate complications. Your collected cells will be analyzed by a pathologist to identify abnormal cells or tissue characteristics.
Reference range
Adult: 136-145 mmol/LN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test plays a critical role in diagnosing pancreatic diseases, including pancreatic cancer, cysts, or chronic pancreatitis. Accurate cell sampling helps pathologists determine if cancerous or precancerous changes exist, guiding treatment decisions such as surgery, chemotherapy, or monitoring.
Short name
Pancreatic FNA with Imaging Guidance
Frequently asked questions
How long will I need to rest after the procedure?
Will I feel pain during the needle insertion?
What should I expect if my cells are abnormal?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy