| Collection & Request Instructions: | Body Cavity Effusion Fluids for Cytology
All body cavity fluids should be submitted fresh and unfixed to provide optimal cytological preservation. Cytology requires as much fluid as possible. For cytological analysis, a minimum of 50ml of fluid is recommended, up to 2 liters, as there is no maximum limit. Low cellularity specimens would need a large volume of fluid to ensure adequate cellular material for comprehensive cytological testing, including the preparation of cell blocks for immunohistochemical analysis.
It is more preferred that Pleural fluids, ascitic (peritoneal) fluids, and pericardial fluids be put into leak proof specimen containers. These containers are available from the Cytology laboratory.
Collection Technique
- Label container(s) before procedure with the patient’s ID including patient's name, hospital number and source of specimen.
- Collect body fluid in labeled, leak-proof container.
- Place labeled container in a sealable Biohazard specimen bag.
- Send the entire specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible.
Note*: Pleur-Evac chest drainage system units are NOT PREFERRED for Cytology specimen analysis, as the dye may contaminate the specimen during retrieval. Therefore, thoracic fluid sampling for Cytology should be accomplished by other means, such as via ATS bag connection if possible.
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