Path Logic, Inc.
CYTOLOGY SPECIMEN COLLECTION
NON-GYN PREPARATION
Cytology specimens should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible after they are obtained
SPECIMEN TYPE SPECIMEN SPECIMEN TYPE OF FIXATIVE
REQUIREMENT PREPARATION
Use standard paracentesis or Heparin may be added to
Body Cavity Fluids 10 mL minimum thoracentesis equipment in reduce clotting. Keep
Try to collect the maximum clean collection container specimen refrigerated or
amount possible kept on wet ice until
transport to lab.
Breast Nipple Secretions Direct smear of nipple Label two (2) clean glass Spray Fixative or 95%
discharge slides. ethanol.
CSF Specimens Minimum of 0.5 mL Standard CSF collection Can be maintained with
prompt refrigeration for 24
hours.
Urologic Specimens 50 mL of urine 2nd morning voided urine, Refrigerated or kept on wet
midstream catch ice until transport
GASTROINTESTINAL SPECIMENS
Gastrointestinal Endoscopically-directed Fasting patient- Labeled slides Fix immediately with Spray
Brushings (Esophageal, brushing of identified lesion Fixative or place in 95%
GE Junction, Gastric, ethyl alcohol.
Duodenal, Bile Duct,
Other)
Immediate refrigeration or
Gastrointestinal 10 mL preferred Fasting patient- Clean plastic wet ice – If transport will be
Washings (Esophageal, specimen container longer than 4 hours add
Gastric, Other) equal amount of 50% ethyl
alcohol
PULMONARY SPECIMENS
Sputum 5 mL (about 1 tsp.) minimum- Deep cough 15-30 minutes Equal amount of 95%
More if possible after waking- before food ETOH or refrigeration up to
24 hours.
Bronchial Brushings Bronchoscopically-directed Roll/smear brush on slides DO Coplin jar with 95% ETOH
brushing of identified lesion. NOT submit brush
Bronchial Washings 10 mL washing- Collect in 120 mL clean Add equal amounts of 95%
Bronchoscopically – obtained plastic container(s) ETOH
minimum
Bronchoalveolar Lavage 20 mL minimum of BAL specimens sent for DO NOT add fixative
Bronchoscopically-obtained culture must be split from
lavage main specimen prior to
transport
Path Logic, Inc.
CYTOLOGY SPECIMEN COLLECTION
NON-GYN PREPARATION
Cytology specimens should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible after they are obtained
SPECIMEN TYPE SPECIMEN SPECIMEN TYPE OF FIXATIVE
REQUIREMENT PREPARATION
Oral Scrapings Direct smear Label slides and immerse in Immediately re-immerse
95% ethyl alcohol smeared slides
Fine Needle Aspirations Adequate cellular material For direct smears use labeled 95% Ethyl Alcohol
single-end frosted slides
IF smears are not prepared
flush aspirated material into
RPMI.
Tzanck Smears Direct smears of material Four clean, labeled glass slides Allow two slides to air dry
collected Place two slides in 95%
ETOH
Conjunctival Scrapings Direct smears of material Two (or more) labeled glass Spray Fixative
collected slides.
GYN PREPARATION
Cervical, vaginal, or Direct smear Prepare thin smear Immediate fixation with
endocervical Spray Fixative or 95%
(Conventional Pap) ETOH
Cervical, vaginal, or Collect specimen following Preserve the sample in the
endocervical the manufacturers’ instruction. preservative vial provided
(Liquid-based ThinPrep) by Cytyc. Do not submit the
brush/broom