How should I submit a sample for cytologic evaluation?
The instructions for collection vary with the site and type of sample. For optimal cellular preservation, all submissions should include slides prepared at the clinic. Once the aspirated sample is in the syringe or needle hub, eject this material onto slides and use either the wedge or squash prep technique to spread out this material. Ideally, these will be 2-5 air-dried, unstained, unfixed, unoiled, and uncoverslipped smears. Avoid any exposure to formalin vapors. For liquid samples, also be sure to send along some of the fluid in tubes – EDTA (lavender top) is preferred for cytology and a plain tube (red top) is required for culture. Do not use serum separator tubes for cytologic specimens. See question #1 above for the appropriate test request (routine “CYTOLOGY” vs “FLUID CYTOLOGY”).
