Specimen Requirements

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

 

Additional Information: If maturation index is desired, please indicate on request form.

 

Preferred: Spray Fixative-Air-dried specimen is not acceptable.

Specimen Type: Cervix, endocervix, or vagina

Specimen Volume: Adequate sampling

Container/Tube: Slides
Collection Instructions:

1. Label frosted end of glass slides in pencil with patient’s name (first and last) and date of birth.

2. Spread cellular material on glass slides.

3. Fix slides immediately with aerosol spray fixative.

4. Failure to adequately fix slides renders specimen unacceptable for cytologic evaluation.

5. Place slides in a cardboard slide holder. Do not close holder until slides have dried completely. Specimen may adhere to slide holder or paper filaments may adhere to slides making evaluation difficult.

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

 

Alternate: Ethanol Fixative

Specimen Type: Cervix, endocervix, or vagina

Specimen Volume: Adequate sampling

Container/Tube: Slides
Collection Instructions:

1. Label frosted end of glass slides in pencil with patient’s name (first and last) and date of birth.

2. Spread cellular material on glass slides.

3. Immediately immerse slides in 95% ethanol for 20 minutes to fix.

4. Place slides in a cardboard slide holder. Do not close holder until slides have dried completely. Specimen may adhere to slide holder or paper filaments may adhere to slides making evaluation difficult.

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