The emphasis of this guideline is on nongynecological cytology specimen procurement, analysis, reporting and management. Specific microscopic criteria for interpretation are not included since these are well described in textbooks, symposia and workshops. A detailed analysis of related clinical topics such as patient care algorithms for follow up of abnormal nongynecological cytology results are also beyond the scope of this document. An important general limitation is that this guideline, in many respects, is applicable for laboratories in the United States that are subject to the provisions of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA '88) and.
