Specimen Handling Instructions

     Specimens are collected without alcohol or other fixatives added.

Caution: Formalin, alcohol or any other kind of cellular preservative MUST NOT be added to specimens of serous fluid sent to our laboratory. Not only does formalin prevent cells from adhering well to a slide, but it also interferes with the quality of staining by the Papanicolaou method. Adding alcohol causes some precipitation of protein in virtually all specimens, thereby interfering with adherence of the cells to the slide. Additionally, the use of formalin or alcohol, is not necessary because keeping the specimen at refrigerator temperature, even for several days, will preserve cells well.    

 Anticoagulation is not required.

The fluid is collected into a clean, dry container, (which need not be sterile), and sent to the laboratory as soon as possible. Specimen container should have a secure lid/cap.

Note: If the specimen is being used for microbiological studies, a sterile container may be required. The specimen MUST be delivered to microbiology prior to cytology. Contact Microbiology for instructions.

If it is not possible to transport the fluid immediately, it should be stored in a refrigerator, and not allowed to freeze.