Specimen Requirements

Forms: Order in EPIC or, if from Outreach clinic, complete an Anatomic Pathology Request Form or CCLS Form supplied by Pathology Laboratory. Include patient’s name, date of birth, date of collection, physician’s name, hospital identification number (in- or out-patient) or address, specimen source (left or right side, if applicable), and pertinent clinical history.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Cyst fluid

Container/Tube: Container supplied by Pathology Laboratory

Specimen Volume: A minimum of 1 mL

Collection Instructions: 

1. Rinse syringe and lumen of needle with saline several times to dislodge any tissue particles or material that may be lodged in syringe.

2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, date and actual time of collection, specimen source, and name of provider.

Specimen Type: Mass

Container/Tube: Collection vial and glass slides in slide container

Specimen Volume: Slides and entire collection

Collection Instructions: 

Two collection methods are preferred.

1. Slide method:

A. Using a lead pencil, label frosted end of glass slides with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, and specimen type prior to obtaining smear.

B. Expel 1 drop of aspirate material onto a slide.

C. Using another slide, gently spread material between the 2 glass slides and pull apart.

D. Air dry one slide. Send in plastic slide container.

E. Alcohol fix one slide in a coplin jar containing 95% alcohol and send jar to lab.

2. Entire collection method: ALL specimen is expelled into a collection vial. No smears are made.

3. Label vial and slide container with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, date and actual time of collection, specimen source, and name of ordering provider.