Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Cerebrospinal, pericardial, peritoneal, pleural fluid

Container/Tube: Sterile container or sterile tube
Specimen Volume: 30 to 50 mL
Collection Instructions: If there is a delay in transport, send specimen refrigerated.

Additional Information:

1. Label container/tube 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