The form must include the name and beeper number of the physician in charge to insure proper distribution of reports. Specimens without proper identification will not be processed. The patient's name, date of birth, unit number and specimen identification should be fully marked on the outside container or bag. The standard Cytology requisition containing patient name, unit number, date of birth, physician's name, source of specimen and a brief clinical history of the patient should accompany the specimen. All specimens received in the laboratory will be handled with universal precautions.
Exceptions are instances where special studies have to be performed.
A telephone report will not be issued by secretarial staff prior to issuance of a written report. All malignant diagnoses will be called to the attending physician by the technical staff. The necessity for such a request is assessed jointly by the Pathologist on call and the physician requesting the procedure.