Specimen Requirements

1. Specimen is collected in surgery/endoscopy procedure room.

2. Swirl brush to dislodge cellular material in 15-mL, blue-top, conical tube that contains 2.5 mL of sterile saline.

3. Leave brush in tube, snap off at scoreline.

4. If tube is not available, place brush in a screw-capped container with 2.5 mL of sterile saline.

5. Label tube/container with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

6. Place tube in a biohazard bag and seal.

7. Forward promptly at ambient temperature. If there is a delay in transport, refrigerate specimen.

Note:  Complete a “Request for Specimen Analysis” in “Request Forms” in “Special Instructions” including patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and actual time of collection, type of specimen, pertinent clinical history, and billing information. Forward it with the specimen.