Specimen Type/Requirements

Air dried or fixed slides or needle rinse in CytoLyt

Specimens obtained via 18-guage or smaller needle

NOTE: For core needle biopsies, use Tissue Exam (PATH1006)

Collection Instructions:

1. Gather supplies.

• Prefilled CytoLyt containers (if rinsing needles or not making slides)
• Frosted end slides and pencil (if making slides)
• Cytology Spray Fixative
• Plastic slide holders or cardboard slide mailers/trays
• Patient labels

2. Obtain specimen. 

3. Slide preparation collection method:

• Label each slide with 2 unique patient identifers (name, MRN, DOB) and site being sampled. 
• Place a small, pea-sized amount of sample on middle of slide (avoid frosted end).
• Use pull apart method to smear sample across the slide.
• Immediately fix slides with Cytology Spray Fixative - hold bottle 6 inches above slides - 2 pumps each. 
  • Note: If using pull apart method, fix one slide and air dry the other - write "fixed" or "AD" on frosted end. 
• Rinse needle into prefilled CytoLyt container, if desired.
• Repeat with each pass.
• Start process over for each new site sampled.

4. Fluid only collection method: 

• Label prefilled CytoLyt container with 2 unqiue patient identifiers (name, MRN, DOB), site being sampled and date/time of collection.
• Expel sample into CytoLyt container.
• Rinse needle into CytoLyt and then discard needle.
• Repeat with each pass.
• Start the process over with a new CytoLyt container for each new site sampled. 

5. Prepare specimen for transport to lab. 

• Each site must be in its own biohazard bag to prevent cross-contamination and leakage during trasnport. 
• All specimens must be submitted with the appropriate Cytology Order requisition placed in the outer fold of the biohazard bag.
• Place properly labeled spray-fixed and air-dried slides into a plastic slide holder or securely closed cardboard tray.