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Clinical Pathology Home collection available

Malignant cells

Parameters1 tested
SampleBlood
FastingNot required
Report inSame day

How to prepare

No fasting needed

You can eat and drink normally before the test.

Good to know

No special preparation needed.

Medicines

Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.

Comfortable clothes

Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.

How it works

Book onlinePick a time slot
Home visitSealed, sterile kit
Lab testingBarcode tracked
ReportIn same day

About this test

This test examines a fluid sample (such as fluid from the chest, belly or other spaces) under the microscope to look for cancer (malignant) cells. It is a type of cytology done by a pathologist.

Why is this test done?

  • Find the cause of fluid collection in the chest or belly
  • Look for spread of cancer
  • Help plan further tests or biopsy

Symptoms — when should you get tested?

  • Breathlessness due to fluid around the lungs
  • Swollen belly due to fluid
  • Unexplained weight loss

Normal range

Malignant cells Not seen

Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.

If your result is high

If malignant cells are seen, cancer is likely present in or has spread to that area. More tests are usually needed to find where it started.

Common reasons
  • Lung, breast, ovary or stomach cancer
  • Lymphoma
  • Mesothelioma

How is the test done?

  1. 1
    Book online

    Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.

  2. 2
    Blood sample taken

    A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.

  3. 3
    Tested in our lab

    Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.

  4. 4
    Report on WhatsApp

    A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.

Frequently asked questions

Not fully. Cancer cells may not be present in every sample, so a repeat or biopsy may be advised.

No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.

Your report is usually ready in same day after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.

Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.

This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.

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