Include patient's name, date of birth, sex, Social Security number, previous malignancy, drug therapy, radiation therapy, and all other pertinent clinical information, including history of alcohol abuse, on the request form.
2 - 6 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Abdominal fluid
50 mL or more
More than 5 mL
1200-cc Cardinal Health Guardian™ disposable hard canister or 120-mL BD Vacutainer® sterile urine collection cup with integrated sampling device available from the courier service
Label the container with patient's name, hospital number, room number, date, and type of specimen. Deliver immediately to the cytology laboratory. If more than a 24-hour delay is anticipated between collection and receipt in the laboratory, please add the following: 1 mL (1000 units) of heparin for each 300 mL of collected fluid. To the entire volume (up to 1 liter) add an equal volume of 50% ethyl alcohol or Saccomanno fixative. (Note: Specimens prepared with fixatives that contain 50% ethyl alcohol, eg, Saccomanno fixative, are not acceptable for microbiology testing.)
After hours, place in the laboratory refrigerator.
In order to suspend the cells in the fluid, move the patient into several different positions. Perform the paracentesis.
Improper labeling; gross contamination due to spillage; improper fixation; specimen submitted in vial that expired according to manufacturer's label
Establish the presence of primary or metastatic neoplasms; aid in the diagnosis of fungal and parasitic infestation of serous cavities
Allowing fluid to stand for a prolonged period before processing may cause deterioration and artifact. First tapping of fluids of long duration may be degenerated and require a second tap after reaccumulation.
The fluid will be centrifuged, supernatant poured off, and diagnostic cells aspirated from the remaining material. Filters, monolayers, and/or cytospins will be made along with a cell block, if applicable. Microscopic examination is performed.