Specimen Requirements

Forward specimen directly to Pathology. Testing will be performed on Monday through Friday before 4 p.m. (STAT testing is performed on request.) On after hours and weekends, transport specimen refrigerated.

 

Submit body fluid (minimum volume:  10 mL) in a screw-capped, sterile container. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Note:  1. Following specimens will be returned to submitting physician:
A. No requisition form
B. Name on requisition does not match name on specimen
C. Spilled specimen

D. Unlabeled specimen
E. No doctor’s name given
2. Label container with patient’s name, date of collection, physician’s name, and patient identification number (if applicable), and specimen source.
3. Please complete a “Pathology/Cytology Request - Inpatient” or “Surgical Pathology and Cytology Requisition - Outpatient” form in “Request Forms” in “Special Instructions.” Include the following:

A. Patient’s name
B. Date of birth
C. Patient address, phone number, and insurance information
D. Date of collection
E. Source of material

F. Physician’s name and phone number
G. Pertinent clinical history

4. Place specimen in a plastic specimen bag with appropriate requisition form inserted into the pocket separate from specimen.