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Pleural Fluid
MessageAn easy means is to submit the specimen in the syringe used for the aspiration- WITH THE NEEDLE REMOVED.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Samples submitted for fluid analysis that have multiple tests ordered should first be delivered to the Client Services specimen receiving desk for accessioning. Bypassing the specimen receiving area may result in CHCS orders being missed or not being accessioned in a timely manner. Once all CHCS orders have been accessioned, the Client Services staff will distribute the specimen to each section of the Laboratory requiring an aliquot of the specimen and will have a Tech from each section sign their initials and date in the green Fluids Logbook indicating receipt of specimen for testing. Specimens with Microbiology tests ordered (culture, fungal, AFB, etc.) will be delivered to Microbiology first to maintain sterility of the specimen prior to aliquoting in cases where a separate specimen was not sent specifically for Microbiology testing. Once Microbiology obtains the required specimen, the Client Services staff will deliver remaining specimen to other laboratory sections.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Samples submitted for fluid analysis that have multiple tests ordered should first be delivered to the Client Services specimen receiving desk for accessioning. Bypassing the specimen receiving area may result in CHCS orders being missed or not being accessioned in a timely manner. Once all CHCS orders have been accessioned, the Client Services staff will distribute the specimen to each section of the Laboratory requiring an aliquot of the specimen and will have a Tech from each section sign their initials and date in the green Fluids Logbook indicating receipt of specimen for testing. Specimens with Microbiology tests ordered (culture, fungal, AFB, etc.) will be delivered to Microbiology first to maintain sterility of the specimen prior to aliquoting in cases where a separate specimen was not sent specifically for Microbiology testing. Once Microbiology obtains the required specimen, the Client Services staff will deliver remaining specimen to other laboratory sections.
Test Code
Pleural Fluid
CPT Codes
88112
Preferred Specimen
Fresh, unfixed specimen
Instructions
Specimens should be submitted Fresh and unfixed.
Transport Container
Leak-proof container.
Syringe used for aspiration (without the needle).
Syringe used for aspiration (without the needle).
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature.
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Accurate patient and specimen identification is critical.
Complete and legible information is required on all forms, and slides must be properly labeled.
Missing or incomplete information on the Cytology request forms is cause for return of the specimen and form for correction.
Unidentified specimens are cause for rejection.
Double-checking specimens and forms prior to submission can avoid most refusals or specimen returns.
PAPER IDENTIFICATION LABELS ON SLIDES ARE UNACCEPTABLE.
Bloody or body fluid contaminated forms will not be accepted.
The cytology staff will make every effort to accession and process these specimens to avoid any delay while corrections are being made.
Specimen rejection is necessary in order to provide an accurate evaluation and to insure that a specimen belongs to the intended patient.
Methodology
Hologic T2000
Report Available
2 days
Limitations
Exfoliated cells from these sites deteriorate both in and out of the body. This deterioration is especially rapid in the presence of blood. Therefore, if possible, it is most important that these be obtained during normal working hours so that they may be processed immediately.
If an extreme emergency requires that a sample be obtained outside normal working hours, the specimen should be immediately brought to the Laboratory. The Laboratory staff should be instructed to place the specimen and accompanying chit in the refrigerator located in the cytology processing room immediately. There will be some cellular degeneration, but this is lessened by prompt refrigeration.
If an extreme emergency requires that a sample be obtained outside normal working hours, the specimen should be immediately brought to the Laboratory. The Laboratory staff should be instructed to place the specimen and accompanying chit in the refrigerator located in the cytology processing room immediately. There will be some cellular degeneration, but this is lessened by prompt refrigeration.
