Specimen Requirements

Obtain a collection kit from Histology/Pathology Laboratory at extension 57307.

Specimen Type: Lesion or ulcer edge from vesicle or blister

Container/Tube: Glass slide in slide container

Specimen Volume: Slide

Collection Instructions:

1. Physician is responsible for collecting specimen.

2. Using a lead pencil, label frosted end of glass slide with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, and specimen type prior to obtaining smear.
3. Unroof an intact vesicle or blister. Carefully press glass slide onto lesion or swab ulcer edge and spread material onto slide.
4. If surface of vesicle is on a dry skin surface, there is a superficial layer of keratin present, and a vigorous scraping is needed to obtain sufficient material for evaluation. To reduce tendency for air-drying artifacts, moisten a superficial lesion with a wet compress prior to scraping. This removes most of the loose, degenerated cell debris and serum crust which may contaminate the smear. Scrape base of vesicle with a blade and smear material onto another slide.
5. Fix slide immediately in 70% to 95% ethyl alcohol for at least 15 minutes (preferable method) or with several bursts of spray fixative held 10 to 12 inches from slide.
6. Transfer slide to slide container.

7. 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 ordering provider.
Forms: Order in EPIC or, if from clinic, complete an Anatomic Pathology Request Form supplied by Pathology Laboratory. Include patient’s name, date of birth, date of collection, provider's name, hospital identification number (in- or out-patient) or address, specimen source, and pertinent clinical history.