SAMPLE COLLECTION & POT SIZE
Information on consumables and sample collection
Request Forms - CPA Standard E2.1, E2.2
The following information is required on all request forms:
- surname
- forename
- hospital number
- date of birth
- date and time of specimen collection
- consultant
- location to which results are to be sent
- origin/type of specimen
- clinical details/investigation requested
The name of the requesting doctor must be clearly printed on the request form. The patient details should be clear on the specimen. Please fill in the form as accurately and legibly as possible as every effort is made to read the details. Poorly written or illegible forms are more likely to result in errors and delayed result reporting.
SAMPLES OR REQUEST FORMS RECEIVED UNLABELLED OR WITHOUT THE MINIMUM ESSENTIAL IDENTIFICATION CRITERIA MAY BE REFERRED BACK TO THE REQUESTING PRACTITIONER.
Urgent specimens should be marked appropriately on the request form. Please ensure that you inform the laboratory when sending any specimen that requires an urgent result and details of where the clinician may be contacted should also be stated.
High-risk Specimens
Specimens known to be infected with high-risk organisms should be appropriately labelled and put in a biohazard bag.
Note: Leaking specimens may not be collected nor accepted into the laboratory.
Histology
The request forms should be labelled according to the criteria above however relevant clinical data and history are essential for accurate reporting and advice on patient management
Specimen Containers
A variety of specimen containers containing 10% formalin are available ranging from 60ml pots, up to five-litre buckets. Please ensure that the correct size container is used and the specimen is fully immersed in formalin. Bouins solution can be provided for testicular biopsies and Michel's medium for skins requiring immunofluorescence. Gross specimens, from reported cases, will be discarded after 5 weeks according to current guidelines However, some additional tests may be possible on material subsequently retained indefinitely.
Frozen Sections
Consultant availability can only be guaranteed through prior notification by telephone or fax.
Results
It is our aim to report specimens within 48 hours of receipt in the laboratory. However on occasions, extra fixation, decalcification procedures, or further investigations may prolong this time.
Cytology
The request forms should be labelled according to the above criteria. However, relevant clinical data and smear history are essential for accurate reporting and advice on patient management. The slides or samples should be labelled with full name and date of birth.
Note: Leaking specimens may not be collected nor accepted into the laboratory.
Gynaecological
Turnaround times are 24-48 hours, or within seven days for NHS cases. Conventional, Cytyc and SurePath samples are examined. Cytyc samples should be received within three weeks.
Cytyc vials and brushes can be obtained by contacting the laboratory. Advice on sample taking is available on liquid-based cytology by contacting the Cytology Department. Liquid based specimens are discarded after 21 days according to current guidelines. Additional testing is only viable within this period
Body Fluids
Turnaround times are 24-48 hours, or earlier if urgent.
Specimen containers without fixative or anticoagulant should be used. The specimen should reach the laboratory the same day as being taken, but if there is any unavoidable delay, overnight refrigeration is essential. Immunocytochemistry is offered whenever necessary.
Urines
A minimum of 50ml is required, but preferably the whole sample should be sent, not the first specimen of the day. For information on the uCyt+ test, please contact the Cytology Department.
Flow Cytometry
The laboratory should be contacted before or at the time of sample collection.
CSF
Turnaround time is 24-48 hours, or sooner if urgent. Specimens should reach the department within two hours, preceded by a phone call to advise of its arrival.
"Hot" FNA service
Diagnosis is usually within 24 hours.
To make an appointment, or to request further information, please call the Cytology Department.
Click here for contact details
Urgent Samples
Please inform the Cytology Department when sending any specimen that requires an urgent result giving details of where the clinician can be contacted.
PLEASE NOTE THAT SURPLUS SAMPLE MAY BE USED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.
