Cytology Specimen Procedures

It is of great diagnostic importance that specimens submitted for cytology are properly collected and the integrity of the specimen is maintained. 

Cytology specimens may require prompt delivery to the laboratory for examination in a "fresh" state or may require the addition of a preservative solution to prevent cellular degeneration.  Also, rapid fixation of smears is necessary to preserve cytologic detail of cells spread on a glass slide.  If smears are allowed to air dry prior to fixation, marked distortion of the cells will occur. 

Please refer to the Test Directory and search "Cytology" for a listing of specific cytology specimen instructions or contact our Client Services Department for assistance.  If you have questions, call  Cytology directly at 704-834-2884.


Hours of Operation
The Cytology department operates Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..  Specimens (e.g. urines) that need to be examined in fresh state should be delivered to the cytology lab during working hours.

Specimen Labeling and Transport
Deliver specimens immediately after collection to the Cytology department.  If transport is delayed, specimens should be stored and / or preserved as recommended.    All specimens must be clearly labeled upon submission.  The label should be affixed to the specimen container, not the lid and include the following:

• Patient Full Name
• Medical Record Number
• Date & Time of Collection
• Specimen Source & Description
• Accompanied with completed and labeled cytology requisition
• Slides - Clearly label frosted-end with patient full name in black lead pencil, medical record number or date of birth.

• Unacceptable: Specimens or Slides which are not labeled or properly identified

Specimens must be delivered in tightly sealed spill and leak-proof containers.  Specimen containers for courier pickup must also be placed in sealed plastic specimen bags for transport.  Requisition forms should be folded and placed in the outer pocket of the specimen bag.  Specimen label identifiers must match the requisition form. 

Requisitions

Requests for Cytology are submitted on the Pathology Requisition Form.    GMH Patient Care Units may obtain forms directly from Bulk Stores.  Outreach Laboratory clients and physician offices should contact Laboratory Customer Service to request additional forms.   The form should be completed by the nurse or attending physician and include the following:  

• Patient Full Name, Medical Record, Date of Birth, Sex
• Source, site or origin of specimen
• Method, Date and Time of collection
• Physician Name
• Clinical diagnosis
• Previous therapy (radiation, surgery, hormonal)
• Prior cytology or histology
• Routine gynecologic specimens, add:
• Date of last menstrual period
• Contraceptive history (B.C.P. or I.U.D)
• Obstetrical history
• Outpatient request forms should also include all billing instructions

Reports
Reports will be available within one to two working days if specimen is delivered to laboratory by 11:00 AM (excluding weekends and holidays).

An unsatisfactory report may be due to the following reasons:

• Inadequate sampling (too few cells present for accurate evaluation).
• Drying distortion of cells (inadequate preservation)
• Obscuring inflammatory exudates.
• No pigment-laden macrophages present in sputum specimen indicating that only saliva was obtained. 
• Incorrect site of specimen for test requested.