Necessary Information

1. An acceptable cytology request form must accompany specimen containers and include the following: Patient's name, medical record number, date of birth, sex, source (exact location and procedure used), date specimen was taken, name of ordering physician and pager number.

2. Submit any pertinent history or clinical information. A complete clinical history is imperative for the diagnostic accuracy of cytology.

Specimen Required

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Contact the testing lab for specific instructions.

Specimen Type: Non-gynecologic cytology specimen

Supplies: CytoLyt Solution (T564)

Container/Tube:

Preferred: CytoLyt solution

Acceptable:

1. PreservCyt solution in prefilled vial

2. Specimens with equal volume of 50%, 70%, 80%, or 95% ethanol

3. Specimens fixed in carbowax, CytoSpin collection fluid, or CytoRich red

Specimen Volume: A minimum of 20 mL or entire collection

Collection Instructions:

1. Specimen containers must be labeled with a minimum of 2 unique identifiers (patient's name and medical record number).

2. Indicate the specimen source and source location on the label.

Specimen Type: Spinal fluid

Collection Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Submission Container/Tube: Container with equal volume of 50%, 70%, 80%, or 95% ethanol

Specimen Volume: A minimum of 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Specimen containers must be labeled with a minimum of 2 unique identifiers (patient's name and clinic number).

Specimen Type: Smear

Container/Tube: Plastic slide container

Specimen Volume: Glass slide

Collection Instructions:

1. Slides should be immediately fixed in 95% ethanol or sprayed with commercially available fixative. Smears that have been air-dried or Diff-Quik stained may also be accepted.

2. Label containers with a minimum of 2 unique identifiers (eg, patient name and medical record number or date of birth), specimen source, and date of collection. Label each glass slide in pencil with a minimum of 2 unique identifiers. If multiple slides are submitted, each slide must have proper identification.