Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Breast, lung, lymph node, prostate, soft tissue mass, thyroid

Container/Tube: Slides in slide container and sterile container

Specimen Volume: Slides and remaining fluid

Collection Instructions:

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

2. Collect aspirated material using a syringe.

3. Spread a portion of material evenly on slides. Apply only light pressure.

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

5. Place slides in slide holder.

6. Transfer remaining fluid from syringe to sterile container.

7. If there is a delay in transport, send specimen refrigerated.

Additional Information:

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

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

Forms: Non-GYN Cytology 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, source of specimen (indicate left or right, if appropriate), and initials of person collecting specimen