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.

 

Slide Preparation

1. Using a lead pencil, label frosted end of a glass slide with patient’s first and last name and specimen source prior to specimen collection.

2. Apply a drop of fluid directly onto 1 of the slides.

3. Place a second glass slide onto the first, allowing collected material to provide surface tension between the 2 slides.

4. Gently and quickly pull the 2 slides apart in a horizontal motion to distribute material in a thin film over both slides.

5. Smears should be immediately fixed in 95% ethanol or sprayed with commercially available fixative. Volumes of fluid (eg, blood) should be avoided.

6. Place slides in a slide/cardboard holder.

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. Broken slides that cannot be reconstructed

D. Unlabeled slides
E. No doctor’s name given

F. Slides adhered to cardboard holder
2. Label slide/cardboard holder 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 and exact location when appropriate (ie, left or right breast).

F. Number of slides submitted
G. Physician’s name and phone number
H. Pertinent clinical history

7. Place slide/cardboard holder in a plastic specimen bag with appropriate requisition form inserted into the pocket separate from slide/cardboard holder.