Sign in →

Cytology, Tzanck Prep

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Lesion

Container/Tube: Clean, glass slides in slide holder

Specimen Volume: Slides

Collection Instructions:

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

2. Scrape surface of lesion. Carefully press a glass slide onto lesion or swab ulcer edge, and spread material onto slides.
3. Fix slides immediately with Cytospray fixative, holding spray about 12 inches away from slide, before slides dry.

4. Place slide 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 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, and initials of person collecting specimen

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Performing Laboratory

Unity Point-Sioux City-Histology

Reference Values

An interpretive report will be provided by a pathologist.

Test Classification and CPT Coding

88160