Cytopathology, Urologic

Container/Tube: Plastic urine container with no preservative

Specimen Volume: 50 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. A second-morning specimen should be obtained if possible for greatest yield.

2. In female patients, a midstream, clean-catch specimen is recommended to avoid vaginal contamination.

3. In male patients, a midstream specimen, not necessarily clean-catch, is recommended.

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: Urine, catheterized/voided, serial collection

Container/Tube: Plastic urine container with no preservative

Specimen Volume: 50 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Obtain 1 urine specimen on 3 consecutive days. Forward specimen to SaraPath Diagnostics each day. Do not retain all specimens until day 3 of collection.

2. A second-morning specimen should be obtained, if possible, for greatest yield.

3. In female patients, a midstream, clean-catch specimen is recommended to avoid vaginal contamination.

4. In male patients, a midstream specimen, not necessarily clean-catch, is recommended.

5. 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, type and site of specimen, and in order of collection #1, #2, #3.

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

Other Urologic Specimens

Sources: Bladder washing, renal pelvis washing/brushing, ureteral washing/brushing, or urethral washing

Specimen Type: Brushing

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

Collection Instructions:

1. Using standard cystoscopy technique, identify lesion in question, and obtain a brush sample of lesion.

2. Remove brush.

3. Agitate brush vigorously in container with 5 to 10 mL of 95% ethyl alcohol.

4. Do not make smears. If possible, detach brush and leave in container.

5. 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.

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

Specimen Type: Washing

Container/Tube: Clean container with no preservative

Specimen Volume: A minimum of 10 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Submit wash specimen from an appropriately-collected, cystoscopically-derived collection.

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.

Note:

1. Complete a SaraPath Diagnostics requisition, include all relevant clinical information, mode of collection, (ie, catheterization can lead to artifacts which may be misinterpreted without knowledge that specimen was catheterized), 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

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.