Specimen Requirements

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

 

Preferred: Fluid

Specimen Type: Nipple discharge
Container/Tube: Container with Cytolyt fixative

Specimen Volume: Adequate sampling

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

Alternate: Smear

Specimen Type: Nipple discharge
Container/Tube: Slides

Specimen Volume: Adequate sampling

Collection Instructions: 
1. Label frosted end of glass slides in pencil with patient’s name (first and last) and date and actual time of collection.
2. Apply specimen directly to slides.

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

4. If 95% ethanol is not available, immediately spray fix upon collection.

5. Failure to adequately fix smears renders specimen unacceptable for cytologic evaluation.

6. 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.

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