For Physicians
| Specimen | Preferred Fixative | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Washings/Lavage Bronchial, esophageal, gastric, pelvic, peritoneal, bladder, ductal, etc. |
Add Cytolyt fixative at a ratio of one part fixative to 3 parts specimen. | Immediately add fixative. Refrigeration not necessary with fixation. |
| Brushings Bronchial, esophageal, gastric, renal & uretheral, common bile duct, etc. |
Add brush tip to ThinPrep™ vial solution and submit to laboratory. | Immediately immerse brush in fixative. Refrigeration not necessary with fixation. |
| Fine needle aspirates Thyroid, breast, lymph nodes, soft tissue masses, cystic or solid lesions, etc. |
Express material from needle into Cytolyt fixative. At end of procedure rinse needle with syringe several times in Cytolyt to ensure optimal recovery of cells. | Immediately add specimen to fixative. Refrigeration not necessary with fixation. |
| Serous cavity fluids Pleural, pericardial, peritoneal, joint fluids, etc. If for crystal exam, see Examination for Crystals below. |
Add Cytolyt fixative at a ratio of one part fixative to 3 parts specimen. | Minimum specimen of 1 ml. Add to vial immediately. Room temperature. |
| Cerebrospinal fluid | Rinse collection device and needle with ThinPrep™ vial fluid. | Minimum specimen of 1 ml. Add to vial immediately. Room temperature. |
| Urine, voided or catheterized specimen | Add Cytolyt fixative at a ratio of one part fixative to 3 parts specimen. | Room temperature. |
| Nipple secretions/discharge | If abundant, add fluid to ThinPrep™ vial. If scant, make slide(s) and fix with alcohol-based fixative. | Immediate fixation by either method, as appropriate. Room temperature. |
| Buccal smear | As alcohol-fixed slides or in ThinPrep™ vial. | Immediate fixation by either method, as appropriate. Room temperature. |
| Tzanck smear/fluid | As alcohol-fixed slides or in ThinPrep™ vial. | As alcohol-fixed slides or in ThinPrep™ vial. |
| Anal swab (for Pap) | ThinPrep™ vial. | Immediate fixation. Room temperature. |
| Miscellaneous body fluids | Lavendar top tube (EDTA) | Refrigerate specimen. |
SEP will provide the pathology supplies.