Specimen Requirements

1. If smears are made by physician, using a lead pencil, label frosted end of glass side with patient’s name and immediately fix with cytology spray fixation or in 95% alcohol.
2. Let smear air dry if sprayed.
3. If fixed in 95% alcohol, fix for 20 to 30 minutes, then air dry.

4. Place slides in a cardboard slide holder.
Note:  1. Label container with patient’s name, date of collection, physician’s name, and hospital identification number (if applicable).
2. Please complete a “Surgical, Cytology, and Microbiology Request Form” including patient’s name, date of birth, date of collection, physician’s name, hospital identification number (in- or outpatient) or address, specimen source, and pertinent clinical history, and forward it with specimen.