Maturation Index

Container/Tube: Slides
Specimen Volume: Smears
Forms: Cytology Request Form
Collection Instructions:
   1. Using a lead pencil, label frosted end of a glass slide with patient’s name and lateral vaginal wall if accompanying Pap smear. Observe Universal Precautions for collecting and handling specimen.
   2. Use a cotton swab or scrape lateral vaginal wall; immediately roll across a clean, dry, frosted slide; and immediately fix with cytology fixative.
   3. Place slide in a plastic slide holder.
Note: 1. The following specimens will be returned to submitting physician:
A. No requisition form
B. Name on requisition does not match name on specimen
C. Broken slide that cannot be reconstructed
D. Unlabeled specimen
E. No doctor’s name given
F. Fixation in formalin
G. Air-drying artifact
H. Specimen taken from other than vaginal wall
I. Presence of inflammatory changes
2. Label holder with patient’s full name (first and last), date of collection, physician’s name, and hospital identification number (if applicable).