Specimen Requirements

Forms: Cytology Request Form in Request Forms in Special Instructions.

Preferred: Aspirate

Specimen Type: Breast, cyst, kidney, lung, lymph node, thyroid, salivary gland, etc.
Container/Tube: Container with Cytolyt fixative

Specimen Volume: Adequate sampling

Collection Instructions:

1. Aspirate material using a needle and syringe.

2. Express cellular material into container with Cytolyt fixative.
3. Rinse needle and syringe in same fixative container before disposing.

4. To rinse needle, detach needle from syringe, draw Cytolyt fixative into syringe, reattach needle, and express into container with Cytolyt fixative.

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