Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Bronchial washings

Preferred: CytoLyt® Fixative

1. Place up to 20 mL of bronchial washings 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.

Direct Smears

1. Label polysine slides with patient identification.
2. Centrifuge washings for 10 minutes at 1,500 rpm.
3. Pour off the supernate and carefully apply a small drop of material to 1 end of a slide. Place a second slide on top of first slide to obtain an even spread of material, and then separate the slides. Preparation of smear should be performed gently in order to prevent crushing of cells. Prepare 2 slides.

4. Immediately place slides in 95% alcohol.
5. Place up to 20 mL of remaining washings into CytoLyt® fixative and submit with prepared slides.
6. Specify specimen source on requisition and label all slides and containers.

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