Appendix II

Not recommended for the diagnosis of malignancy unless the patient is unfit for other investigations. Samples will not routinely be accepted without prior discussion.

Samples for diagnosis of TB should be sent to Microbiology

Place specimen in CytoLyt

Brush may be agitated in cell transport medium to collect residual material. Send fluid to laboratory

Place specimen in CytoLyt.

Change trap before collecting from each site under investigation.

Place specimen in CytoLyt

 

20-30 mls. Unfixed

 

20-30mls unfixed, collected mid morning on 3 consecutive mornings

Do not send early morning samples. History of catheterisation must be noted on request form

20-30 mls Unfixed.

 

5-10 mls unfixed, sent immediately to the laboratory

Detection of crystals required examination of a fresh sample.

Smears made by rotating brush on glass slide(s). Fix slides immediately in alcohol. Alternatively the specimen may be placed in CytoLyt.

Brush may be agitated in cell transport medium to collect residual material. Send fluid to laboratory.

At least 2 mls sent immediately to the cytopathology laboratory at the WGH

Cells degenerate rapidly in CSF and sample should be prepared as soon as possible in the laboratory. Since cell counts are normally performed in Microbiology, they will only be done when specifically requested, if there is adequate material and no known risk of infection.

2 smears wet fixed in alcohol plus 2 air dried smears (unfixed) then rinse needle with cell transport fluid (or formaldehyde) to collect all residual cellular material. Alternatively the specimen may be placed in CytoLyt

.

All the fluid up to 50 mls. Unfixed.