Fine Needle Aspirate Clinics & Requests

Fine Needle Aspiration Clinic & Fine Needle Aspiration Requests – Laboratory Assisted

The Cytopathology laboratory of Alberta Precision Laboratories can provide assistance in the collection of fine needle aspirates. Patients may also be referred to a Fine Needle Aspiration Clinic for superficial lesions. Deep seated lesions must be referred to Diagnostic Imaging services.

Calgary Zone:

Peter Lougheed Centre - Pathologist performed FNA: Clinic Hours bi-weekly Fridays 1300 - 1600 hours

Calgary Fine Needle Aspiration Clinic is located at the Specialty Clinic 2 near the west entrance of the Peter Lougheed Centre, Out-Patient Clinics Department. Referrals from physicians to perform diagnostic FNA procedures on their patients with palpable/superficial lesions ("lumps & bumps") are accepted. Examples of these lesions include cysts and nodules in the head and neck area, salivary gland, breast, lymph nodes, and other superficial lesions. Cytopathologists perform the procedure. An on-site assessment of the specimen is performed to ensure a satisfactory specimen is obtained during the patient visit.

Complete all required information on the Fine Needle Aspiration Clinic Patient Referral Form, including patient contact information, and fax to 1-403-770-3319. Provide the patient with the Patient Instructions – Appointments for Fine Needle Aspiration Clinic – Calgary. The FNA Clinic will contact the patient to book the appointment.

Edmonton Zone:

University of Alberta Hospital - Laboratory Assistant assisted FNA Monday to Friday 0800 - 1600 hours

Laboratory personnel will provide collection assistance at the time of the procedure. Prior booking with the laboratory is required. Call 1-780-407-8947.

University of Alberta Hospital - Pathologist performing FNA: Clinic Hours Thursday 0900 - 1100 hours

Pathologist available on-site to perform aspirates on superficial lesions. Prior booking with the laboratory is required. Call 1-780-407-7484.

Grey Nuns Hospital - Pathologist performing FNA: Clinic Wednesday

Refer patients through Connect Care or Alberta Referral Directory to the Out-Patient department who will contact the patient to book the appointment.

North Zone:

Grande Prairie QE II Regional Hospital - Technologist assisted FNA Monday to Friday

Pre-booking through Anatomical Pathology is required. Call 1-780-538-7430. A Technologist must be available at the time of the procedure. If the procedure is cancelled or delayed, please notify the Anatomical Pathology department. Cytotechnologist will attend FNA, prepare slides and assess sample for adequacy.

South Zone:

Chinook Regional Hospital - Technologist assisted FNA Monday to Friday

Pre-booking through Central Booking is required. Call 1-403-388-6205 for Chinook Regional Hospital. A Technologist must be available at the time of the procedure. If the procedure is cancelled or delayed, please notify the Cytology department. Cytotechnologist will attend FNA, prepare slides and assess sample for adequacy.

Chinook Regional Hospital - Pathologist performed FNA: Clinic Hours Wednesday 1000 - 1100 hours

Procedure must be booked with the Cytologist Department at 1-403-388-6162. Pathologist will perform the FNA in Day Procedures. Information required at time of booking:

  • Full name of patient
  • Health Care Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Patient Phone Number
  • Referring Physician
  • Location of Lesion

The Physician office is responsible for providing all relevant clinical information by fax at 1-403-388-6067. Aspirates will not be performed if this information has not been provided.

Medicine Hat Regional Hospital - Laboratory Assistant assisted FNA Monday to Friday

Pre-booking through Central Booking is required. Call 1-403-502-8620 ext.3 for Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. A Laboratory Assistant must be available at the time of the procedure. If the procedure is cancelled or delayed, please notify the Histopathology department. Laboratory Assistant will attend FNA and prepare slides.