Cytopathology, Tzanck Smear

Collection Instructions:

1. Submit a direct smear of material collected from skin lesion, usually a vesicle.

2. Using a #2 lead pencil pre-label slides with at least 2 sources of patient identification (eg, bar code, patient name, date of birth, or other unique identifier), and date of collection.

3. Gently scrape area of abnormality. If abnormality is a vesicle, remove covering and scrape both at base of vesicle and around rim.

4. Quickly and evenly smear collected material on 1 of the glass slides.

5. Smears should be spray-fixed immediately at time of collection as air-drying starts to occur within 1 second of slide preparation. Partial fixation of slides develop air-drying artifact that could complicate interpretation and possibly result in an unsatisfactory specimen.

6. Repeat process with second slide, if necessary, for better diagnostic yield.

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 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. Irreparable slide

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.