I had urine cytology (looking for cancer cells in the urine) done when I first had bleeding, as part of the diagnostic workup looking for bladder cancer or other possible cause of the bleeding; they also checked then to see if there was a bladder infection. However, I was told even at that time that cytology rarely shows anything in the case of low grade tumors. Because my initial tumor, and later recurrence, were low grade non-invasive tumors, they've never done cytology again, as cystoscopic exam is the best way to keep on top of things.
There is another type of diagnostic test, which I know numbers of people here get, called FISH for short; I believe it checks for specific celluar DNA changes associated with bladder cancer. This is supposed to be more accurate than "conventional" cytology.
Ann
Small TA Grade 1, May-06; recur (2 tiny), same, June-08; TURBTs both times. BCG begun July-08, dosage to 1/3rd May-10, completed treatment December-11. All clear since 2008.