Cytopathology
A Subspecialty Of Anatomic Pathology
About Cytopathology
Cytopathology is a diagnostic technique that examines cells that have been exfoliated (shed), scraped from the body or aspirated with a fine needle. Cell specimens are processed into slides and examined microscopically for the diagnosis of cancer, precancerous conditions, benign tumors and some infectious conditions.
Our Services
Submit a Specimen
Our Faculty
FNA Service
Ancillary Testing
Stanford Pathology provides consulting services on the full range of cytologic specimens. We also perform ancillary studies on cytologic cell block material and on residual liquid-based cervical pap samples.
Gynecologic Cytology
We accept liquid and conventional paps for review and partner with Stanford’s virology lab to provide human papillomavirus (HPV) as well as Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Trichomonas testing.
Non-Gynecologic Cytology
Stanford Cytology processes and reviews the whole spectrum of non-gyn cytology specimens including cerebrospinal fluid, pleural and peritoneal fluids, urine and bladder washings, and breast nipple discharge.
Fine Needle Aspirations
In addition to rendering a diagnosis on Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) samples, the Cytology service also performs biopsies at our FNA clinic in the Blake Wilbur building at the Stanford Cancer Center. Please see FNA section for full details.
Slide Consultation
Stanford’s Cytology service offers consultative opinions on challenging cases submitted from outside of the Stanford network. These consultations can be utilized to offer expert opinion, answer specific questions, or confirm a diagnosis. This service includes assignment of a specialty pathology fellow to each case for individualized service.
Consult Cases
To submit slides for case review, please fill out a Stanford requisition and include all slides, relevant reports, and ancillary testing materials and reports. Package all materials securely and send via a padded envelope. For cases with paraffin-embedded tissue, providing unstained slides or the paraffin block will expedite the work-up for ancillary studies.
Wet Tissue Specimens
Please submit materials in proper transport media and smears in a slide holder. All samples should be labeled with the patient information (name, DOB and one other unique identifier) and the site identifier (A,B,C). Please use a Tissue-Tek pencil to label the slides, as other methods will come off during processing. For unstained smears, please indicate which smears are fixed versus air-dried to facilitate appropriate processing. Once all of this has been completed, seal in a biohazard bag.
Samples and consult materials should be shipped or delivered via courier to:
Stanford Anatomic Pathology
Attn: Cytopathology
300 Pasteur Drive, Room H2110
Stanford, CA 94305
New Client Inquiries
To arrange to be set up as a new client, please contact:
ClinOpsContracts@stanfordhealthcare.org.
Contact Us
To submit a specimen to Cytopathology, please complete a requisition and send with sample to:
Stanford Cytopathology Service
300 Pasteur Drive, Room H2110
Stanford, CA 94305
Phone: 650-723-7211
Fax: 650-725-7409
Medical Director:
Brittany Holmes, MD
To arrange to be set up as a new client, please contact:
ClinOpsContracts@
stanfordhealthcare.org
SAMPLE SUBMISSION LOGISTICS
For more information on submitting cases, see the links below:
All Requisitions
Download Stanford Requisitions for specimen submission.
Account Set-up
Information on personalized requisitions, supplies, shipping and courier pick-up.
Pricing Inquiries
Pricing inquiries and contract information.
Billing
Billing policies, information and questions.
Results Web Portal
Request access or log-in to our client results portal.
Specimen Collection and Handling
Specifications for Specimen Collection and Handling.
Consult Service FAQ's
Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Brittany Holmes, MD
APPOINTMENTS
- Clinical Professor of Pathology
- Director, Head and Neck Pathology
- Director, Cytopathology Service
PRACTICE AREAS
- Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
- Cytopathology
- Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
- Head & Neck Pathology
CONTACT
Email: bjholmes@stanford.edu
Phone: (650) 723-7211
More information about Brittany Holmes:
https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/brittany-holmes
Kelly Ernst, MD
APPOINTMENTS
- Clinical Assistant Professor of Pathology
- Associate Director, Cytopathology Fellowship Program
- Co-Director, Post-Sophomore Fellowship Program
PRACTICE AREAS
- Anatomic & Clinical Pathology
- Breast Pathology
- Cytopathology
CONTACT
Email: kellyernst@stanford.edu
Phone: (650) 723-7211
More information about Kelly Ernst:
https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/kelly-ernst
Christina Kong, MD
APPOINTMENTS
- Professor of Pathology
- Medical Director and Chief of Pathology Service for Stanford Healthcare
- Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs
PRACTICE AREAS
- Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
- Cytopathology
- Gynecologic Pathology
- Head & Neck Pathology
CONTACT
Email: ckong@stanford.edu
Phone: (650) 723-7211
More information about Christina Kong:
https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/christina-kong
Alarice Lowe, MD
APPOINTMENTS
- Associate Professor of Pathology
PRACTICE AREAS
- Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
- Cytopathology
- Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
- Genitourinary Pathology
CONTACT
Email: aclowe@stanford.edu
Phone: (650) 723-6111
More information about Alarice Lowe:
https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/alarice-lowe
Michael Ozawa, MD, PhD
APPOINTMENTS
- Clinical Associate Professor of Pathology
- Medical Director (Clinical Laboratory), Stanford Cancer Center South Bay
- Director, Surgical Pathology Fellowship
PRACTICE AREAS
- Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
- Cytopathology
- Head and Neck Pathology
- Thoracic Pathology
CONTACT
Email: mgozawa@stanford.edu
Phone: (650) 739-6692
More information about Michael Ozawa:
https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/michael-ozawa
Xiaohua Qian
APPOINTMENTS
- Clinical Professor, Pathology
PRACTICE AREAS
- Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
- Cytopathology
CONTACT
Phone: (650) 723-5252
Eric Yang, MD, PhD
APPOINTMENTS
- Clinical Professor of Pathology
- Director, Computational Pathology and Digital Innovation
- Director, Cytopathology Fellowship
PRACTICE AREAS
- Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
- Cytopathology
- Gynecologic Pathology
CONTACT
Email: ericyang@stanford.edu
Phone: (650) 736-3694
More information about Eric Yang:
https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/eric-yang
Fine Needle Aspiration Service
The cytology service offers an FNA clinic where we perform fine needle aspiration biopsies on superficial nodules. Portable ultrasound imaging is used selectively for non-palpable nodules. The clinic is open to both Stanford patients and patients from off-site clinics. Clinic hours are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The clinic operates as a walk-in service (i.e. first come first serve) with no appointments necessary. Early arrival is encouraged to minimize waiting, as wait times vary widely and may be in excess of 3 hours or more.
Patients are required to have a written FNA order specifying the biopsy site (include indication if site is palpable or if ultrasound will be required), clinical history, any requests for special studies (e.g. flow cytometry, specific molecular assays), ordering physician's name and contact information, and an ICD code. If the patient is not registered at Stanford, patient demographics and insurance information will also be required for pre-registration, which will need to be completed before the patient is seen.
For patient-focused information about the process, including a map to the location, please see our Fine Needle Aspiration Overview:
Stanford Healthcare
Head & Neck Oncology Clinic
900 Blake Wilbur Drive, 3rd Floor
Palo Alto CA 94304 USA
Phone: 650-498-6000
Questions?
FNA Pager: 650-723-8222 (ID 13378)
Ancillary Testing
Stanford Pathology relies on a suite of ancillary testing offerings to support our expert diagnoses. Many of these techniques, such as molecular profiling and cytogenetics,can be performed on both smears and cell blocks.
Our immunohistochemistry laboratory offers a wide array of antibody-based tests and in situ hybridization assays, which our pathologists select and interpret judiciously to refine their diagnoses. These assays are validated for paraffin-embedded tissue, including cytology cell blocks.
Molecular assays can be used for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes as well as for selection of targeted therapies. Stanford’s Solid Tumor Actionable Mutation Panel (STAMP) is validated on both aspirate smears and paraffin-embedded tissue.
FNA Ancillary Testing
Ancillary testing available for thyroid FNAs includes thyroglobulin on needle rinses, parathyroid hormone on needle rinses and flow cytometry. Please see our Thyroid FNA Collection Guide for more information and special handling instructions.
Cytogenetic studies are used to assess for chromosomal rearrangements in selected cases. Examples include fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for specific gene rearrangements that have diagnostic or prognostic significance, HER2 amplification in breast cancer, and screening for recurrent bladder cancer (UroVysion).
Fresh tissue or cellular suspensions can be submitted in RPMI for flow cytometry analysis to evaluate for hematolymphoid disorders. Standard immunophenotyping panels are available for evaluation of suspected lymphoma, which can then be tailored based on review of morphologic findings and clinical history. Cytology cases with accompanying flow cytometry specimens are jointly reviewed by both the cytology and hematopathology services.
Stanford Pathology provides consulting services on the full range of cytologic specimens. We also perform ancillary studies on cytologic cell block material and on residual liquid-based cervical pap samples.
Gynecologic Cytology
We accept liquid and conventional paps for review and partner with Stanford’s virology lab to provide human papillomavirus (HPV) as well as Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Trichomonas testing.
Non-Gynecologic Cytology
Stanford Cytology processes and reviews the whole spectrum of non-gyn cytology specimens including cerebrospinal fluid, pleural and peritoneal fluids, urine and bladder washings, and breast nipple discharge.
Fine Needle Aspirations
In addition to rendering a diagnosis on Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) samples, the Cytology service also performs biopsies at our FNA clinic in the Blake Wilbur building at the Stanford Cancer Center. Please see FNA section for full details.
Slide Consultation
Stanford’s Cytology service offers consultative opinions on challenging cases submitted from outside of the Stanford network. These consultations can be utilized to offer expert opinion, answer specific questions, or confirm a diagnosis. This service includes assignment of a specialty pathology fellow to each case for individualized service.
close Our Services
Consult Cases
To submit slides for case review, please fill out a Stanford requisition and include all slides, relevant reports, and ancillary testing materials and reports. Package all materials securely and send via a padded envelope. For cases with paraffin-embedded tissue, providing unstained slides or the paraffin block will expedite the work-up for ancillary studies.
Wet Tissue Specimens
Please submit materials in proper transport media and smears in a slide holder. All samples should be labeled with the patient information (name, DOB and one other unique identifier) and the site identifier (A,B,C). Please use a Tissue-Tek pencil to label the slides, as other methods will come off during processing. For unstained smears, please indicate which smears are fixed versus air-dried to facilitate appropriate processing. Once all of this has been completed, seal in a biohazard bag.
Samples and consult materials should be shipped or delivered via courier to:
Stanford Anatomic Pathology
Attn: Cytopathology
300 Pasteur Drive, Room H2110
Stanford, CA 94305
New Client Inquiries
To arrange to be set up as a new client, please contact:
ClinOpsContracts@stanfordhealthcare.org.
Contact Us
To submit a specimen to Cytopathology, please complete a requisition and send with sample to:
Stanford Cytopathology Service
300 Pasteur Drive, Room H2110
Stanford, CA 94305
Phone: 650-723-7211
Fax: 650-725-7409
Medical Director:
Brittany Holmes, MD
To arrange to be set up as a new client, please contact:
ClinOpsContracts@
stanfordhealthcare.org
SAMPLE SUBMISSION LOGISTICS
For more information on submitting cases, see the links below:
All Requisitions
Download Stanford Requisitions for specimen submission.
Account Set-up
Information on personalized requisitions, supplies, shipping and courier pick-up.
Pricing Inquiries
Pricing inquiries and contract information.
Billing
Billing policies, information and questions.
Results Web Portal
Request access or log-in to our client results portal.
Specimen Collection and Handling
Specifications for Specimen Collection and Handling.
Consult Service FAQ's
Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
close Submit a Specimen
Brittany Holmes, MD
APPOINTMENTS
- Clinical Professor of Pathology
- Director, Head and Neck Pathology
- Director, Cytopathology Service
PRACTICE AREAS
- Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
- Cytopathology
- Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
- Head & Neck Pathology
CONTACT
Email: bjholmes@stanford.edu
Phone: (650) 723-7211
More information about Brittany Holmes:
https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/brittany-holmes
Kelly Ernst, MD
APPOINTMENTS
- Clinical Assistant Professor of Pathology
- Associate Director, Cytopathology Fellowship Program
- Co-Director, Post-Sophomore Fellowship Program
PRACTICE AREAS
- Anatomic & Clinical Pathology
- Breast Pathology
- Cytopathology
CONTACT
Email: kellyernst@stanford.edu
Phone: (650) 723-7211
More information about Kelly Ernst:
https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/kelly-ernst
Christina Kong, MD
APPOINTMENTS
- Professor of Pathology
- Medical Director and Chief of Pathology Service for Stanford Healthcare
- Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs
PRACTICE AREAS
- Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
- Cytopathology
- Gynecologic Pathology
- Head & Neck Pathology
CONTACT
Email: ckong@stanford.edu
Phone: (650) 723-7211
More information about Christina Kong:
https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/christina-kong
Alarice Lowe, MD
APPOINTMENTS
- Associate Professor of Pathology
PRACTICE AREAS
- Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
- Cytopathology
- Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
- Genitourinary Pathology
CONTACT
Email: aclowe@stanford.edu
Phone: (650) 723-6111
More information about Alarice Lowe:
https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/alarice-lowe
Michael Ozawa, MD, PhD
APPOINTMENTS
- Clinical Associate Professor of Pathology
- Medical Director (Clinical Laboratory), Stanford Cancer Center South Bay
- Director, Surgical Pathology Fellowship
PRACTICE AREAS
- Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
- Cytopathology
- Head and Neck Pathology
- Thoracic Pathology
CONTACT
Email: mgozawa@stanford.edu
Phone: (650) 739-6692
More information about Michael Ozawa:
https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/michael-ozawa
Xiaohua Qian
APPOINTMENTS
- Clinical Professor, Pathology
PRACTICE AREAS
- Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
- Cytopathology
CONTACT
Phone: (650) 723-5252
Eric Yang, MD, PhD
APPOINTMENTS
- Clinical Professor of Pathology
- Director, Computational Pathology and Digital Innovation
- Director, Cytopathology Fellowship
PRACTICE AREAS
- Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
- Cytopathology
- Gynecologic Pathology
CONTACT
Email: ericyang@stanford.edu
Phone: (650) 736-3694
More information about Eric Yang:
https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/eric-yang
close Our Faculty
Fine Needle Aspiration Service
The cytology service offers an FNA clinic where we perform fine needle aspiration biopsies on superficial nodules. Portable ultrasound imaging is used selectively for non-palpable nodules. The clinic is open to both Stanford patients and patients from off-site clinics. Clinic hours are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The clinic operates as a walk-in service (i.e. first come first serve) with no appointments necessary. Early arrival is encouraged to minimize waiting, as wait times vary widely and may be in excess of 3 hours or more.
Patients are required to have a written FNA order specifying the biopsy site (include indication if site is palpable or if ultrasound will be required), clinical history, any requests for special studies (e.g. flow cytometry, specific molecular assays), ordering physician's name and contact information, and an ICD code. If the patient is not registered at Stanford, patient demographics and insurance information will also be required for pre-registration, which will need to be completed before the patient is seen.
For patient-focused information about the process, including a map to the location, please see our Fine Needle Aspiration Overview:
Stanford Healthcare
Head & Neck Oncology Clinic
900 Blake Wilbur Drive, 3rd Floor
Palo Alto CA 94304 USA
Phone: 650-498-6000
Questions?
FNA Pager: 650-723-8222 (ID 13378)
close FNA Service
Ancillary Testing
Stanford Pathology relies on a suite of ancillary testing offerings to support our expert diagnoses. Many of these techniques, such as molecular profiling and cytogenetics,can be performed on both smears and cell blocks.
Our immunohistochemistry laboratory offers a wide array of antibody-based tests and in situ hybridization assays, which our pathologists select and interpret judiciously to refine their diagnoses. These assays are validated for paraffin-embedded tissue, including cytology cell blocks.
Molecular assays can be used for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes as well as for selection of targeted therapies. Stanford’s Solid Tumor Actionable Mutation Panel (STAMP) is validated on both aspirate smears and paraffin-embedded tissue.
FNA Ancillary Testing
Ancillary testing available for thyroid FNAs includes thyroglobulin on needle rinses, parathyroid hormone on needle rinses and flow cytometry. Please see our Thyroid FNA Collection Guide for more information and special handling instructions.
Cytogenetic studies are used to assess for chromosomal rearrangements in selected cases. Examples include fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for specific gene rearrangements that have diagnostic or prognostic significance, HER2 amplification in breast cancer, and screening for recurrent bladder cancer (UroVysion).
Fresh tissue or cellular suspensions can be submitted in RPMI for flow cytometry analysis to evaluate for hematolymphoid disorders. Standard immunophenotyping panels are available for evaluation of suspected lymphoma, which can then be tailored based on review of morphologic findings and clinical history. Cytology cases with accompanying flow cytometry specimens are jointly reviewed by both the cytology and hematopathology services.
close Ancillary Testing
Residencies and Fellowships
Anatomic Pathology Residency Programs
Stanford Pathology offers a 3-year Anatomic Pathology residency and 4-year combination residencies in Anatomic Pathology/Clinical Pathology and Anatomic Pathology/Neuropathology.
Cytopathology Fellowships
Stanford offers an ACGME-accredited Fellowship in Cytopathology.