CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE
OF CYTOLOGY SPECIMENS.
DRAFT COPY ONLY.
(Procedure 90).
http://www.netautopsy.org/axsop/axsop090.htm


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PRINCIPLE OF THE TEST.

      The Cytopathology Laboratory will only accept specimens if they are properly prepared and submitted.



STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION.

      1. The Cytopathology Laboratory will not accept specimens for Cytology unless they are properly prepared and submitted on the Tissue Examination Form (SF-515) for non-gynecologic cytology specimens, and Gynecologic Cytology Form (SF-541) for gynecologic cytology specimens.

      2. The specimen must be fresh, or in preservative (Cyto-Lyte solution).

      3. In the case of sputum, a single, early morning, deeply-coughed specimen should be submitted. (Coughed from the diaphragm).

      4. No 24-hour specimens will be accepted.

      5. Body cavity fluids that are clotted will not be accepted. To avoid clotting, add 3 units of heparin per cc of anticipated fluid to the collection container.

      6. The name and signature of the physician in charge of the patient must be on the requisition slip.

      7. The name, identification number, and location of the patient must be on the requisition slip.

      8. Pertinent history and physical findings must be on the requisition slip.

      9. The date and time of the collection of the specimen must be on the requisition slip.

      10. When slides are made by the doctor, the patient's name must be on the frosted tip of the slide.

      11. All specimen containers must be marked with the patient's name and identification number.

      12. The specimen source must be shown on the requisition slip.

      13. In the case of urinary specimens, the specific mode of collection must be mentioned, whether it is a catheterized or a voided urine.

      14. All specimens must be submitted in a suitable and closed container, preferably in a Cyto-Lyte vial.

      15. When an unsatisfactory specimen is received, the laboratory calls the physician or the ward from which the specimen originated, and maintains records of the call in a folder.



REFERENCE.


      1. Hoeltge GA, Dynek DA, Delahunty DC, McClatchey KD, Rabinovitch A, Robinowitz M, Travers EM.
National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). Clinical Laboratory Technical Procedure Manuals. Third Edition.
Approved Guideline GP2-A3. December, 1996. vol 16, no 15.