Cytopathology, Gastrointestinal

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The adequacy of a gastrointestinal specimen is determined primarily by the presence of well-preserved epithelial cells indicative of the type of epithelium present at the gastrointestinal site sampled. All gastrointestinal specimens tend to deteriorate rapidly in the fresh state due to enzymatic activity which is present throughout much of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, these specimens are easily contaminated by epithelia from sites proximal to that being sampled.

 

Specimen Type: Brushing (bile duct, duodenal, EG junction, gastric, pancreas, pancreatic duct, or other)

Container/Tube: Container with 5-10 mL of 95% ethyl alcohol

Collection Instructions:

1. Obtain a brush sample of identified lesion. It is important to brush edges and floor of an ulcer to obtain diagnostic material.
2. Remove brush and agitate vigorously in container with ethyl alcohol.
3. Do not make smears. If possible, detach brush and leave in container.

4. Label container with at least 2 sources of patient identification (eg, bar code, patient name, date of birth, or other unique identifier), date of collection, and type and site of specimen.

5. Refrigerate specimen after collection, and send specimen refrigerated.

 

Specimen Type: Washing (esophageal, gastric, or other)

Container/Tube: Clean container with no preservative

Specimen Volume: A minimum of 10 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Obtain washing from region of suspected lesion.
2. Label container with at least 2 sources of patient identification (eg, bar code, patient name, date of birth, or other unique identifier), date of collection, and type and site of specimen.
3. Refrigerate specimen after collection, and send specimen refrigerated.

 

Specimen Type: Bile fluid

Container/Tube: Clean container with no preservative

Specimen Volume: A minimum of 3 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Label container with at least 2 sources of patient identification (eg, bar code, patient name, date of birth, or other unique identifier), date of collection, and type and site of specimen.
2. Refrigerate specimen after collection, and send specimen refrigerated.

 

Note:

1. Complete a SaraPath Diagnostics requisition, include all relevant clinical information, and submit with specimen.
2. Verify patient name and other unique identifiers on test requisition match those on specimen.

3. Specimen may be rejected and returned to originating site if any of the following conditions apply:
a. Patient or specimen identification errors or omissions
b. Incorrect specimen submitted for test requested
c. Damaged or leaking specimen

d. Washing or bile fluid specimen submitted in preservative

4. Call SaraPath Diagnostics for:
a. Technical assistance - Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 941-362-8900
b. Courier service or supplies - Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 941-362-8932 or 941-362-8900
Note: STAT Specimen - Call for pick-up of STAT specimen and indicate STAT on requisition.

Weekdays