Acceptable Specimens:
Ascitic, cyst, paracentesis, pericardial, pericardiocentesis, peritoneal, pleural, synovial, or thoracentesis fluid; bladder, paracentesis, renal pelvic, or ureteral washings; nipple discharge, spinal fluid, or sputum
1. Collect all fluid obtained from procedure in a screw-capped, plastic container.
2. Label container with patient’s name, date of collection, physician’s name, and hospital identification number (if applicable).
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature.
4. The following specimens will be returned to submitting physician:
A. No request form
B. Name on request form does not match name on specimen
C. Unlabeled specimen
D. No doctor’s name given
E. Specimen not refrigerated or CytoLyt® not added for an unspecified amount of time. No formalin, saline, or alcohol is to be added to specimen.
Note: 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 specimen.