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.)

 

Collect specimen following instructions in collection kit. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.

Note:  1. The following specimens will be returned to submitting physician:
A. No requisition form
B. Name on requisition does not match name on specimen
C. Unlabeled specimen
D. 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 (cervical, endocervical, vaginal)
F. Physician’s name and phone number
G. Clinical information including the following:
1) Date of last menstrual period
2) Hormonal status (eg, postmenopausal, pregnant)
3) Exogenous hormone therapy (including BCPs, treatment for endocrine responsive malignancy, estrogen creams)
4) Presence of IUD
5) DES exposure
6) History of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, cervical malignancy, or any extragenital malignancy
7) History of systemic chemotherapy
8) History of pelvic radiotherapy
9) History of gynecologic surgery, cryosurgery, electrocautery, or laser surgery
10) Date of last gynecological smear and history with dates of any previous abnormal histology or cytology reports
11) Any current abnormal findings or patient complaints
12) High-risk factors for cervical cancer (eg, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual activity at an early age, number of pregnancies, if obtainable, and smoking)
4. Place container in a plastic specimen bag with appropriate requisition form inserted into the pocket separate from specimen.