Specimen Handling Instructions

Bladder Wash: recommended for symptomatic patients and can be done as a part of cystoscopy  procedure.

     Ureteral washings should be labeled right or left.

Patient Preparation:

Esophageal or gastric wash:  vegetable cells may heavily contaminate washing specimens, particularly if there is an impediment to gastric emptying. In this circumstance, the patient may be placed on a liquid diet, and the procedure repeated.

Sample Collection:

1. Specimens may be obtained by instilling physiologic saline solution into the various recesses of the peritoneal cavity or any site to be sampled, then withdrawing the fluid and submitting it for cytologic examination as a "washing". 

  2.  Bronchial washes and lavages are obtained through infusion and reaspiration of sterile saline through a

       fiberoptic bronchoscope.

        3. Broncho-alveolar lavage may be useful in the identification of Pneumocystis carinii organisms.

   4. Esophageal or gastric wash: Note oily lubricants may obscure cellular details, and therefore are not

        recommended.

   5. Esophageal or gastric wash: washes should always precede a barium swallow, if a barium swallow is

       scheduled.