Instructions for Collection and Transport

Specimen is collected by physician and labeled with 2 patient identifiers and site identifying words. NOTE Patient’s last name and clinic number or date of birth must be written in pencil on the frosted edge of the slide. Dip a sterile tongue blade in saline and shake off excess. Touch tongue blade directly against lesion or discharge and scrape gently. Quickly spread specimen onto a labeled, clear glass slide. Immediately spray fix the slideor submerge in 95% alcohol. If more than one site is sampled, site specific identifying words must be present on appropriate specimen containers. Cytology Epic order must include the following information: source of specimen, patient’s clinical findings, prior treatment and previous biopsy results. Transport at room temperature.