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Suggestions For Cytology Specimen Preparation
The patients name must be written, in pencil, on the frosted end of the slide on all smears and requisitions completed or specimen will be returned for proper identification.
Cervical-Vaginal Smears
Immediate fixation with spray fixative is important. 1-2 pumps is adequate. Smears should be made before full pelvic examination. Do not use lubricants as they cause smears of poor quality. Routine slides should include material from the endocervical canal and the external os. Vaginal pool material is not adequate for routine examination.
Non-Gyn Cytology
All Non-Gyn Cytology specimens are preferably received fresh. If a longer than 30 minute delay in delivery to the laboratory, refrigerate or add an equal part of 50% Ethyl Alcohol. All Cytologies must be received with appropriately labeled containers and/or slides with accompanying completed requisition.
Body Fluids: (including urines and CSF): Collect in desired container
(preferably, no more than 50 ml.).
Transport within 30 minutes of collection or refrigerate until delivery.
Sputum
and Bronchial Wash: Collect in appropriately labeled containers and submit
with completed
requisition. Transport fresh within 30 minutes or refrigerate until
transport. Alternatively,
mix with equal parts of 50-75% ethyl alcohol.
Bronchial, Esophageal, Gastric,
Bile Duct Brushings: Make direct smears and immediately place
in
leak-proof fixative containers containing 95% ethyl alcohol. Although
not providing optimal cellular
preservation, a spray fixative may be used as an alternative.
Thyroid:
Make direct smears and immediately place in leak-proof fixative containers
containing 95% ethyl
alcohol. Although not providing optimal cellular preservation, a spray
fixative may be used as an
alternative. Make two additional slides and allow to air-dry.
Submit with properly labeled slides and containers with completed requisition.
Fine Needle Aspirations: Direct smears are made and immediately placed in
1% acid alcohol for 30 seconds.
Transfer to leak-proof containers of 95% ethyl alcohol. Although not
providing optimal cellular
preservation, a spray fixative may be used as an alternative. 1-2 pumps
is adequate.
Auto-Cyte Prep
- Rotate Rover Cervex® brush 5 times in same direction while applying soft pressure upon patient’s cervix.
- Detach broom head @ neck and deposit into CytoRich Preservative-filled vial. Discard blue plastic handle.
- Send entire specimen-filled vial with proper paperwork to Covenant Laboratory.
The pap smear is a screening test with inherent false negative and false positive results. A negative report indicates a low probability of significant cervical pathology within the prescribed screening interval. Your patient’s test results, together with history and clinical findings, should be interpreted in this context.