Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type:  Fine-needle aspirate of any site (ie. thyroid, lymph node, etc.)

Preferred:  CytoLyt® Fixative

1. Express up to 20 mL of aspirated 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

1. Label polysine slides with patient identification.
2. Carefully express a small drop of aspirated material onto 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. Smear preparation should be performed gently to prevent crushing of cells. Prepare up to 10 slides.
3. Immediately place the slides in 95% alcohol.

4. Express up to 20 mL of aspirated material into CytoLyt® fixative and submit with prepared slides.

5. Submit (1) devoted pass in Hanks for all lymph node specimens
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.