Cytopathologic evaluation for the detection and characterization of premalignant/ malignant pulmonary lesions.
Test Code
430
Specimen Requirements
Explain to the patient that cytology preservative is NOT to be consumed.
Collect a series of three specimens on consecutive days.
Do not collect specimens immediately following a meal.
The best time for collecting sputum is early in the morning, just after waking.
For those who experience difficulty, sputum coughed up at any time of the day may be used.
Supplies for Submission
CytoLyt® (preferred) or 95% ethanol
Specimen container
Specimen Collection
Label all specimen containers with two identifiers. Acceptable identifiers include patient’s name, date of birth, social security number, requisition number, and medical record number.
Rinse mouth with water to rid mouth of saliva and other material, upon waking.
Expectorate a deep cough specimen into specimen container containing CytoLyt®.For patients with scanty sputum, it may take 15-30 minutes of intermittent coughing before an adequate sample can be obtained.
Submit only those secretions coughed up from the bronchial tree (as opposed to saliva from the mouth or postnasal accumulation in the pharynx).
Tighten the cap and mix the contents thoroughly.
If no fixative is available, refrigerate immediately.
Storage Requirements
Store specimens at room temperature (15 to 30°C) until transported. DO NOT freeze.