Specimen Requirements

Special cytology containers are available upon request. Please contact Histology Laboratory Department at 712-279-3164 prior to specimen collection.

Specimen Type: Sputum; early-morning, deep cough

Container/Tube: Special sputum cytology container

Specimen Volume: Entire collection

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect specimen on at least 3 consecutive days as follows:
A. Have patient remove dentures, if applicable.

B. Instruct patient to brush his/her teeth and/or rinse mouth well with water to minimize contaminating specimen with food particles, mouthwash, or oral drugs which may inhibit growth of mycobacteria.
C. Instruct patient to take a deep breath, hold it momentarily, then cough deeply and vigorously into container. Saliva is not acceptable for tumor cell identification.

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

Additional Information:

1. Label 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. Spilled specimen
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