Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Serous or body cavity fluids, including pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, or pleural fluid (chest, thoracentesis)

Submit only 1 of the following:

Preferred: CytoLyt® Fixative

1. Express up to 20 mL cellular material into CytoLyt® fixative. Slides will be prepared at Alomere Health Pathology.

2. Label CytoLyt® container with patient identification and specimen source.

3. Specify specimen source on requisition and label all containers.

4. Complete a “Cytology Examination Request Form” in “Forms” in “Special Instructions” and forward it with the specimen.

Acceptable: Direct Smears

Collection Instructions:

1. Label polysine slides with patient identification.
2. Remove any clots and place clot in 10% buffered formalin.

3. Centrifuge fluid for 10 minutes at 1,500 rpm.

4. Pour off supernate and make smears from sediment either by directly swabbing material onto slide or by carefully applying a small drop of material onto 1 end of a slide, placing a second slide on top of first slide to obtain an even spread of material, and then separating the slides. Preparation of smear should be performed gently in order to prevent crushing of cells. Prepare 2 slides.

5. Immediately place slides in 95% alcohol.

6. Place up to 20 mL of remaining fluid into CytoLyt® fixative.

7. Specify specimen source on requisition and label all slides and containers.

8. Complete a “Cytology Examination Request Form” in “Forms” in “Special Instructions” and forward it with the specimen.

Reject Due To:

Spinal fluid