We will be losing two full time cytopathology faculty, starting July 1st, 2022, we will no longer be performing pathologist performed fine needle aspiration (FNA) in our Cytodiagnosis Center or in the inpatient setting.
During the recruitment for vacant positions, the Epic order for “Fine Needle Aspirate- pathology collect” or “pro534” will be suspended.
Requests for ultrasound guided FNA should be referred to Radiology. You can find the FNA orders in Epic under After Visit Order for outpatients and During Visit Procedure orders for inpatients. For example - US guided fine needle aspiration biopsy thyroid.
Once you sign your order, it will auto-populate our worklist. We will contact your patient directly for scheduling.
Please feel free to reach out to our Nurse Practitioner team at pager 9128 for questions or concerns.
Scheduling an Appointment
We conveniently provide a same-day, on-demand FNA service in addition to scheduling FNA appointments days to weeks in advance.
Please check our Appointment Calendar for our availability and then call us at 804-828-9740 or see our Scheduling FNA section for more information.
FNA Service Description
Our cytopathologists are specially trained in Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) biopsy and ultrasound-guided FNA.
We offer both palpation-guided FNA and ultrasound-guided FNA of superficial* masses that may be palpable or non-palpable and can be reached through the skin with a 1 ½-inch or 2.5- to 3-centimeter needle (please see any restrictions below). Superficial masses that we are routinely asked to biopsy utilizing FNA include those within the thyroid, subcutaneous tissue, salivary gland, and enlarged lymph nodes.**
Scheduling FNA
- To refer ambulatory patients for a same-day FNA or to schedule an advanced patient appointment for FNA to our Cytodiagnosis Center:
- Click on our Appointment Calendar to view availability AND THEN CALL (804) 828-9740
- We accept FNA patients to our Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday
- For FNA requests for a VCU hospital inpatient for our mobile, on-demand cytopathology FNA service:
- Services may be requested from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Monday through Friday, by calling (804) 828-9740
What To Bring To Your Appointment
- Insurance card(s)
- Identification (drivers license or government-issued ID)
- Medical records (preferably faxed from your doctor's office prior to appointment)
- Radiology reports or images (preferably faxed from your doctor's office prior to appointment)
Our Fax: (804) 628-4661
About Your FNA Procedure
- Why did my doctor order this test?
- What is Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)?
- What are the goals of FNA?
- Will the FNA procedure be painful?
- Is there any special preparation I need to do before the biopsy?
- How is the visit conducted and FNA procedure performed?
- What are the possible complications?
- Will the biopsy make the tumor spread?
- How are the FNA results obtained?
- Are you thinking of not coming in?
Directions & Parking Information
We are located within the Anatomic Pathology department at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center:
Cytodiagnosis Center
Gateway Building
6th Floor, Room 6-224
1200 East Marshall Street
Richmond, VA 23298 Phone: (804) 828-9740 (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Our Mission, Vision and Values
To deliver the highest-quality, personalized cytopathology consultation services, including fine-needle aspiration, as an integral part of the interdisciplinary team approach to the health care of our referred patients and to become a leader in all facets of fine-needle aspiration education.
In the course of our daily work as health care professionals and as we conduct our unique medical practice of cytopathology, our Cytodiagnosis Center is guided by the following values:
Educational Opportunities
Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA): Palpation and Ultrasound-Guided Methods
Individual, practical, hands-on training in all aspects of Palpation and Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration and FNA procedure assistance.
Educational opportunities can be tailored to meet the individual needs of practicing physicians, residents, fellows or other medical professionals that may be interested.
Contact Us
Cytodiagnosis Center
1200 East Marshall Street
Gateway Building
6th Floor, Room 6-224
Richmond, VA 23298
Phone: (804) 828-9740 (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Fax: (804) 628-4661
The FNA services we offer include both palpation-guided and ultrasound-guided FNA of superficial* masses that may be palpable or non-palpable (please see our service description and any restrictions below).
In addition to providing FNA services within our Cytodiagnosis Center, our cytopathology laboratory also provides a mobile, same-day, on-demand FNA service to inpatients at the VCU Medical Center.
Additional questions about our Cytodiagnosis Center or services? Please call our knowledgeable staff or talk directly with a Cytopathologist to discuss your patient's particular needs (804-828-9740).*Superficial anatomical sites are those located above the fascia that can be reached by a 1 ½-inch or 2.5- to 3-centimeter needle. For deeper masses, those that are below the fascia or within a body cavity (e.g., abdomen or thorax), please consult the VCUHS Department of Radiology.
Contact Us
Sadia Sayeed, MD
Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology
Sadia Sayeed, MD
Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology
Pathology
Director of Cytopathology;
Associate Director Cytopathology Fellowship
Email: Sadia.Sayeed@vcuhealth.org