Specimen Requirements

1. Collect 30 mL (minimum volume:  5 mL) of aspirate or washing in a screw-capped, sterile container.

2. Specimen obtained during an endoscopic examination should be collected in a physiologic solution. (Fixative is not acceptable.)

3. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, and type of specimen.

4. Send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Note:  1. If microbiologic studies are requested, the specimen should be split if possible. If <5 mL is collected, either cytology or acid-fast cultures can be performed, not both.

2. Please complete a request form and include the following:

A. Patient’s name (first and last)

B. Date of birth

C. Date of collection

D. Source of material

E. Physician’s name

F. Pertinent clinical information

3. Place specimen in a plastic specimen bag with request form inserted into pocket separate from specimen.