Specimen Type/Requirements

Fresh Body Fluid – Refrigerated if not immediately sent to the lab

Collection Instructions:

1. Gather a specimen tube or tightly sealed container.

2. Obtain sample and place into labeled container.

A. Fluids:

• Collect the specimen “fresh” in a capped syringe or labeled container – send     immediately to the lab.
• Refrigerate the specimen if a delay in transport is expected and send to the lab ASAP in a cooler with ice blocks.

B. Brushings (not Anal Pap):

• Immediately cut off tip and place into a specimen tube with sterile saline.
• If additional brushings are collected from the same site, repeat using same  specimen container.
• Use a new specimen tube for each additional site.

C. Direct Smears (Nipple):

• Label slides with 2 patient identifiers using a pencil on the frosted end of the      slide.
• Immediately spray fix with Cytology fixative.

D. Anal Pap:

• Swirl collection device in ThinPrep vial to remove cells and then discard device.  Do not snip off and send in vial.

3. Label specimen container in presence of the patient at the time of collection:

• Two unique patient identifiers (Name, MRN, or DOB)
• Specimen source and method of collection
• Collection date & time

4. Transportation:

• Specimens must be submitted in an appropriately labeled container with a secure lid to prevent leakage during transport and placed in a biohazard transport bag.
• All specimens must be submitted with the appropriate Cytology Order requisition – place in the outer fold of the biohazard bag.