Organ & Tissue Sampling with Digital Cytology
When bloodwork, imaging, or clinical signs point to organ disease, a definitive diagnosis often requires examining cells from the affected organ directly. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) allows our radiologists to sample internal organs precisely, and digital cytology ensures rapid, expert pathologist review.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI), our integrated approach combines real-time ultrasound guidance with digital cytology to evaluate liver disease, kidney lesions, lung masses, splenic nodules, and other organ abnormalities — all in a single, minimally invasive visit.
SVI offers organ sampling and digital cytology at our centers in Round Rock, Texas; Spring, Texas; and Sandy, Utah.
Organ Systems We Sample
Cytologic evaluation of organ aspirates provides critical diagnostic information that guides medical or surgical treatment. Below are the most common organ sampling applications performed by our team.
Hepatic (Liver) Cytology
Liver FNA is one of the most common organ cytology procedures. Cytology can diagnose hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver — the most common liver disease in cats), identify hepatic lymphoma, detect hepatocellular carcinoma, and characterize inflammatory liver disease. For diffuse liver disease with abnormal bloodwork, cytology often provides a diagnosis more quickly and less invasively than surgical biopsy, though biopsy remains necessary for definitive grading of some conditions.
Learn more about liver cytology →Renal (Kidney) Cytology
Kidney FNA is particularly valuable for diagnosing renal lymphoma in cats, which is one of the most common feline kidney tumors. Cytology identifies the malignant lymphoid cells and distinguishes lymphoma from other renal masses (carcinoma, cysts). For dogs with renal masses, cytology helps differentiate between tumor types and guides surgical vs. medical management decisions. Cyst aspiration provides both therapeutic benefit and diagnostic information.
Learn more about kidney sampling →Pulmonary (Lung) Sampling
Lung masses and areas of consolidation identified on CT or radiographs can be sampled via ultrasound-guided or CT-guided FNA. Cytology identifies primary lung tumors (pulmonary carcinoma, pulmonary adenocarcinoma), metastatic disease, fungal infections (Blastomyces, Histoplasma), and inflammatory conditions. For peripheral lung masses with pleural contact, ultrasound-guided sampling is safe and effective.
Learn more about lung cytology →Splenic Cytology
Splenic masses are common in older dogs and range from benign conditions (hematoma, nodular hyperplasia, extramedullary hematopoiesis) to aggressive malignancies (hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma). Pre-surgical FNA can provide a cytologic diagnosis that helps guide the urgency and approach to splenectomy. While hemangiosarcoma can be challenging to diagnose on cytology due to blood contamination, other splenic tumors including lymphoma and histiocytic sarcoma are often readily identified.
Learn more about splenic cytology →Other Organ & Tissue Sampling
Our radiologists can perform ultrasound-guided FNA of virtually any accessible organ or soft tissue structure. Common additional targets include thyroid masses, adrenal tumors, pancreatic nodules, salivary glands (for sialadenitis or salivary mucocele evaluation), and soft tissue masses in deep or complex anatomical locations. The guiding principle is the same: precise targeting under real-time visualization for maximum diagnostic accuracy with minimum invasiveness.
Learn more about organ sampling →Breeds Commonly Affected
Organ disease has breed-specific predispositions. Domestic Shorthair and Siamese cats are predisposed to hepatic lipidosis and renal lymphoma. German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers have elevated rates of splenic hemangiosarcoma. Labrador Retrievers commonly develop hepatic masses. Miniature Schnauzers are predisposed to liver and pancreatic disease. Large-breed dogs have higher rates of primary lung tumors.
How Integrated Imaging and Cytology Works
Organ sampling at SVI follows an integrated workflow: the diagnostic ultrasound identifies the target, the radiologist guides the needle in real time, and the collected cells are immediately prepared on slides for digital cytology. This seamless process means your pet receives both imaging evaluation and tissue diagnosis in a single visit.
Our board-certified radiologists have extensive experience with guided sampling techniques and work directly with our pathologist to ensure optimal sample quality and interpretation.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Organ FNA is typically performed during or immediately following a diagnostic ultrasound examination. The procedure adds 10–20 minutes to the imaging study. Light sedation is often recommended for organ sampling to ensure patient comfort and optimal needle placement.
Cytology slides are prepared and stained immediately after collection. Results are available within 24–48 hours, with same-day preliminary impressions available for urgent cases. Your veterinarian receives a comprehensive report with the cytologic diagnosis and clinical recommendations.
View all conditions we diagnose →Why Choose Sage Veterinary Imaging
Get Answers for Your Pet
If your pet has abnormal organ findings on bloodwork, imaging, or physical exam, ultrasound-guided organ sampling with digital cytology can provide a minimally invasive diagnosis and guide the most effective treatment.
Schedule an Imaging and Cytology Consultation
Visit one of our three locations to learn more about ultrasound-guided organ sampling with digital cytology.
Organ & Tissue Sampling FAQ
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Ultrasound-guided organ sampling with digital cytology can diagnose your pet’s condition minimally invasively. Visit one of our locations to get started.