Cytology Prostatic Secretions

Submit specimen with a Pathology requisition.
Label specimen container with patient's complete first and last name, date of birth, date and time of collection, and specimen source.

AP010

• Send the specimen to the Laboratory in an appropriate closed, labeled container with the appropriate fixative for the tests requested. If you are unsure of the proper fixative, contact the Histology laboratory at extension 3405 for clarification. • Specimen source If submitting multiple specimens, the label must match the requisition as A, B, C, D, etc. Label specimen container with patient's complete first and last name, date of birth, date and time of collection, and specimen source. Optimally, the specimens should be submitted to the laboratory placed in Cytolyt fixative. After collection, the unfixed material must be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible. Cellular autolysis begins immediately after the sample is collected (e.g., urine or bloody serous effusion). Collection of each type of specimen is presented here for correct procedure. Diagnostic cytology is based on three basic sampling techniques: (1) collection of exfoliated cells, (2) collection of cells removed by brushing or similar abrasive techniques, and (3) aspiration biopsy or removal of cells from non-surface bearing tissues by means of a needle, with or without a syringe. If there is an unavoidable delay encountered in the delivery of the specimens (e.g., weekend, etc.), specimens must be refrigerated or preserved with Cytolyt fixative. Specimens can be refrigerated a week or more and still be satisfactory. DO NOT freeze the specimens. Freezing will fracture cells.

The study of prostatic secretions is not recommended for cancer detection unless prostatic massage is being carried out for other reasons. 1. DO NOT allow the patient to urinate. 2. Label several clean glass slides with patient's name, date, and type of specimen. 3. Open bottle of fixative (95% ethyl alcohol) 4. Massage prostate gently from lateral borders towards center area. Avoid seminal vesicles. Cover entire gland. Strip urethra by massage of median groove from base to apex. 5. As secretion appears at the urethral meatus, smear thinly and evenly onto glass slide using the glans or gloved finger. 6. Immediately drop the slide into fixative. 7. Make as many slides as material permits. 8. Ask patient to void into a clean collection bottle. 9. If no material appears at the urethral orifice during the massage, ask the patient to void into a clean collection bottle. 10. Send slides in fixative, urine specimen, and completed requisition form to Laboratory immediately.