The following guidelines are intended to assist you in preparing optimal specimens for cytologic evaluation. If you have questions about specimen submission, call the cytology laboratory between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Since not all tests can be performed in the case of every specimen, appropriate history enables the cytopathologist to direct a more efficient and rapid workup. If multiple sites are sampled, label each individually if a site-specific diagnosis is needed for clinical management. The needle is inserted into the mass.
Negative pressure is introduced by pulling back on the syringe plunger.
The needle is rapidly moved back and forth in small excursions within the mass while suction is maintained. Disaggregation of cells is accomplished by the cutting action of the needle. The plunger of the syringe is released, after which the needle is withdrawn. The aspirated material is ejected onto a glass slide and a second slide used to spread the material in a thin, even film. A delay in fixation of even a few seconds may cause drying artifact which distorts the cells sufficiently to interfere with an accurate diagnosis.