Specimen Requirements

Aspirate

1. Rinse syringe and lumen of needle with 50% isopropyl alcohol several times to dislodge any tissue particles or material that is lodged in syringe.
2. Place specimen in a screw-capped, plastic container.
3. Label container with patient’s first and last name and second identifier, date of collection, physician’s name, and hospital identification number (if applicable)
4. Please complete a Cytology Request Form including patient’s name, date of birth, date of collection, physician’s name, hospital identification number (in- or outpatient) or address, specimen source, and pertinent clinical history; and forward it with the specimen.
5. Place specimen in a plastic specimen bag with Cytology Request Form inserted into pocket separate from specimen; and, if possible, deliver specimen to Cytology Laboratory.

Slides

1. Using a lead pencil at site of procedure, person assisting should label frosted end of glass slide with patient’s first and last name and second identifier and specimen type.
2. After physician has removed needle from lesion, he/she will deposit aspirated material on a glass slide.
3. Semi-solid aspirate should be spread by flat pressure with another slide.
4. Aspirate consisting of a droplet of blood or other fluid should be evenly distributed along slide with another slide or wooden applicator.
5. Prepare 6 to 8 slides with aspirate, if there is sufficient material.  
6. Permit 2 slides to air dry in order that they might be stained by the Diff-Quik method.
7. Mark air-dried slides with A.D.
8. The remaining slides should be immediately fixed by spraying with a cellular fixative.
9.  Place slides in a slide/cardboard holder.
10.  Please complete a Cytology Request Form including patient’s name, date of birth, date of collection, physician’s name, address, specimen source, and pertinent clinical history; and forward it with the specimen.
11.  Place specimen in a plastic specimen bag with Cytology Request Form inserted into pocket separate from specimen; and, if possible, deliver specimen to Cytology Laboratory.