Collection Techniques for Non-Gynecologic Cytology

All specimens must be labeled with a minimum of the patient’s full name, second identifier (DOB or MR#), and the source of the specimen. Slides are to be labeled on the frosted end in #2 pencil with the full patient’s name, second identifier (DOB or MR#), and source. Do not send unlabeled slides in a labeled container. Keep in mind that the source on the requisition or electronic order and the source on the specimen must agree.

Please complete electronic order and send printed paper copy of electronic order with specimen or complete a Non-Gyn Cytology Requisition Form and send with specimen.

All supplies may be ordered through Dahl-Chase Diagnostic Services Purchasing (941-8202 or 1-800-464-2332)

SPECIMEN	COLLECTION TECHNIQUE
Body Fluids – Pleural – Abdominal – Pericardial – Ovarian Cyst – Peritoneal Wash – Synovial – Cul-De Sac	⮚ Submit fresh and refrigerated along with an aliquot (agitate before decanting) in equal parts 10% neutral buffered formalin for cell block. ⮚ Pleural and abdominal (75-250 ml optimal), or pericardial (65-250 ml) fluids: Submit fresh in 2-3 capped 60 cc syringes or sterile containers and refrigerate, and one container with 50:50 mix with10% neutral buffered formalin for cell block. If less than 60 ml, submit fluid fresh and refrigerated. ⮚ Cul de sac, abdominal/pelvic/peritoneal washings, or synovial fluids: Submit fresh and refrigerated. ⮚ Label all containers with the patient’s FULL name, 2nd identifier (DOB or MR#), and source of specimen. ⮚ Label all containers with the patient’s FULL name, 2nd identifier (DOB or MR#), and source of specimen ⮚ Any remaining fluid should be kept refrigerated at the hospital lab for up to 3 days
Bronchoscopy: – Washing – Trap – Bronchoalveolar Lavage	⮚ Submit fresh and refrigerated. ⮚ Label all containers with the patient’s FULL name, 2nd identifier (DOB or MR#), and source of specimen. ⮚ Specimens for Fat (Lipid) stain are to be FRESH. Do not put into fixative solution.
Brushings: – Bronchial – Esophageal – Gastric – Duodenal – Colonic	⮚ Label slides with full patient name (pencil), second identifier (DOB or MR #), and source. ⮚ Prepare slides at time of collection by rolling brush across glass slide, then immediately spray with cytology fixative or immerse in 95% ethanol. ⮚ If cell block requested vigorously swirl final brushing for 15 seconds in CytoLyt solution but brush must not be reused in patient after rinsing in solution. ⮚ Label container with patient’s FULL name, 2nd identifier (DOB or MR#), and source of specimen.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Vitreous Fluid	⮚ Send at least 1ml CSF or vitreous fluid fresh to Dahl-Chase within 1 hour of collection ⮚ If the specimen cannot be delivered within 1 hour, then the specimen must be refrigerated. If the specimen is not received within 72 hours, it must be fixed with an equal volume of CytoLyt. ⮚ Label all containers with the patient’s FULL name, 2nd identifier (DOB or MR#), and source of specimen.
Fine Needle Aspirations See Physician Guide to FNA Biopsy section 9 page 5 for FNA technique	⮚ Non-thyroid FNA needle rinse: Place one pass/needle rinse in CytoLyt media and place additional passes in formalin for cell block. ⮚ Thyroid FNA: Place 1st pass/needle rinse in CytoLyt media, 2nd pass/needle rinse in molecular vial, and additional passes in CytoLyt media. One pass placed on no more than 2 appropriately labeled (full name and 2nd identifier (DOB or MR#), and source) smears immediately sprayed with cytology fixative or immersed in 95% ethanol is optional.
Nipple Discharge	⮚ Label slide with the patient’s FULL name, 2nd identifier (DOB or MR#), and source of specimen. ⮚ Express secretion on slide, fix immediately with cytology spray fixative or immerse in 95% ethanol
Sputum for Cytology	⮚ Collect first morning specimens 3 days in a row for best results. ⮚ Patient may expectorate into a sterile container which is submitted fresh and refrigerated, labeled with patient’s FULL name, 2nd identifier (DOB or MR#), and source of specimen.
Tzanck Prep	⮚ Label slide with the patient’s FULL name, 2nd identifier (DOB or MR#), and source of specimen. ⮚ Scrape base of vesicle with scalpel blade and smear onto slide, spray fix immediately or fix with 95% ethanol.
Urine – Voided – Bladder wash – Catheterized	⮚ Collect at minimum 30 mls of fluid (not a first morning specimen) ⮚ Place in equal parts CytoLyt solution within 6 hours of collection. ⮚ Label container with the full patient name, second identifier (DOB or MR#), and source of specimen (voided, catheterized, or bladder wash, nephrostomy, urostomy)