Specimen Requirements

1. Assemble apparatus:  slides, 95% alcohol container or Carbowax® spray fixative container, syringe, and needles.
2. Using a lead pencil, write patient’s name and date of birth on frosted/coated end of slide(s).

3. Place a 19-gauge to 23-gauge needle or butterfly needle on a 20-mL disposable syringe.
4. Insert needle in site.

5. Withdraw plunger of syringe to create negative pressure.

6. While maintaining vacuum, reposition needle by moving it in various directions. Action may be discontinued after 4 or 5 movements, or if blood or other material enters hub of syringe. Material should not enter barrel of syringe, because recovery is difficult and air-drying may occur.

Note:  If cyst fluid is aspirated, leave specimen in syringe. Cap with red safety cap. Specimen is to be delivered fresh to the Cytology Laboratory. If after hours, refrigerate specimen until Cytology Laboratory opens.
7. Release negative pressure before withdrawing needle from site to prevent reflux of material into syringe barrel.
8. After needle has been withdrawn from site, disconnect it from syringe. Fill syringe with air to supply an expulsive force.
9. Reconnect needle to syringe, and expel a drop of aspirate at unfrosted end of 2 frosted-end slides.
10. Immediately lay another slide over drop on each slide and allow surface tension to disperse cells in a monolayer. Separate slides.
11. Immediately immerse 2 slides in 95% alcohol or fix with Carbowax® spray fixative. Allow 2 remaining slides to air dry.
12. Aspirate 50% alcohol into barrel of syringe, and expel material into 50% alcohol container. This washing is used to prepare membrane filters and cell blocks.

Note:  If lymphoproliferative disease is suspected, Hank’s solution may be substituted for 50% alcohol, to be used for flow cytometry.

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

14. Forward promptly at ambient temperature.

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.