Specimen Requirements

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

2. Collect fluid from under ulceration.

3. Apply a drop of fluid directly onto 2 fully frosted slides.

4. Fix 2 slides with Pro-Fix^TM or by immersing in 95% alcohol within 10 seconds of collection.

5. Place slides in a slide/cardboard holder.
6. Forward slides 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. 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

F. Number of slides submitted
G. Physician’s name and phone number
7. Place slide/cardboard holder in a plastic specimen bag with appropriate requisition form inserted into the pocket separate from slide/cardboard holder.