Specimen Requirements

Cytology supplies are available upon request. Please contact Histology Laboratory Department at 712-279-3164 prior to specimen collection.

Forms: Siouxland Cytology Cyto/Tissue Request Form including patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if appropriate), date of birth and/or Social Security number, date and time of collection, medical history, specimen source, and initials of person collecting specimen

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Cervical smear

Container/Tube: Clean, glass slides in slide holder

Specimen Volume: A minimum of 2 slides

Collection Instructions:

1. Patient should avoid douches 48 to 72 hours prior to collection. Vaginal lubricant should not be used prior to obtaining specimen.

2. With a lead pencil, label frosted end of clean, glass slides with patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial) and specimen source.

3. Clean cervical os.

4. After insertion of speculum, collect smears with a cytobrush or cytobroom by thoroughly scraping entire ectocervix with special emphasis on squamo-columnar junction.

5. Spread material evenly on slides. Apply only light pressure.

6. Fix slides immediately with Cytospray fixative, holding spray about 12 inches away from slides, before slides dry.

7. Place slides in slide holder.

Additional Information:

1. Label slide holder with patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial), date of birth, date and time of collection, and specimen source.

2. The following specimens will be returned to submitting physician:
A. Broken slides
B. No request form
C. Name on order does not match name on specimen

Specimen Type: Vaginal smear

Container/Tube: Clean, glass slides in slide holder

Specimen Volume: A minimum of 2 slides

Collection Instructions:

1. Patient should avoid douches 48 to 72 hours prior to collection. Vaginal lubricant should not be used prior to obtaining specimen.

2. With a lead pencil, label frosted end of clean, glass slides with patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial) and specimen source.

3. Clean cervical os.

4. After insertion of speculum, collect smears with a cytobroom or cytobrush as follows:

A. Scrape posterior fornix lightly.

B. If an accurate hormonal evaluation is desired, obtain specimen by lightly scraping mid-lateral vaginal wall.

5. Prepare slides by rotating cytobrush or cytobroom (counterclockwise) on slides to ensure deposition of all cells.

6. Place slides in slide holder.

Additional Information:

1. Label slide holder with patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial), date of birth, date and time of collection, and specimen source.

2. The following specimens will be returned to submitting physician:
A. Broken slides
B. No request form
C. Name on order does not match name on specimen