Sputum for Cytology
| Test Name | Sputum for Cytology |
| Alternate Name(s) | |
| Laboratory Module | Cytology |
| Ordering Mnemonic |
Category: Cyto Ordering mneumonic: SPUT |
| Specimen Type |
Sputum (Expectorated or Suctioned) |
| Collection Container | Collect in a cytology container containing CytoLyt preservative |
| Container Information | Cytology container containing CytoLyt preservative |
| Collection Information |
I.1.All specimens must be accompanied by a completed manual or Meditech generated cyto-pathology non-gynecological requisition. All mandatory fields must be satisfied in order to complete the request. In the case of computer downtime use the standard cytopathology non-gynecological requisition. (ii) hospital unique number (iii) date of birth (iv) Ontario Health Insurance Number with version code. (b) Submitting area identifiers: Hospital site (BGH or The Willett) and the submitting department (Emergency, Ambulatory Care etc.). (c) Submitting physician's name. (d) Date of specimen collection (e) Pre- and post-operative presumptive diagnosis. (f) A brief clinical history, relevant pathological and radiological findings. (g) Specimen information (i) specimen type/source (ii) specimen site I.2. If received, the specimen container must be labeled. Addressograph labels are preferred, otherwise the following information must be provided, clearly written in ink: (a) Patient identifiers - (i) patient's full name (ii) hospital unique number (iii) and at least one other unique additional identifier (ie. date of birth, OHIN). (b) Date of specimen collection. (c) Specimen type and site, as it is written on the Cytology Requisition form. This information must be recorded on the side of the specimen container and not the lid. If a specimen is known or suspected to contain unique or extreme biohazard (e.g. CJD) the container shall be so marked. I.3.Place labeled slides with the patients name and specimen type, in a cardboard slide holder and drying and attach an addressograph label on the outside of the holder. I.4. Place specimen containers in a biohazard bag (if applicable). The requisition should be placed in the outer pouch of the biohazard bag.
Collection of Sputum Fresh, deep cough, early morning specimens are collected prior to eating, drinking, or brushings teeth. Cough deep from the lungs and spit the mucoid material into a clean sterile container. Continue coughing until an adequate sample is produced, then cap the container tightly and write the patient information on it (as indicated above). It is extremely important that the material submitted is from the deep lung cough and not saliva from the nose or throat. Return the labeled container with the specimen to the laboratory. If a delay in transport ensure the specimen is refrigerated to prevent the cellular detail from degenerating. This test is repeated 3 times on different days. Note: If the specimen is a post-bronchoscopy specimen this needs to be indicated since the instrument can cause cellular changes and cause diagnostic difficulties. |
| Test Schedule |
Monday to Friday |
| Routine Turnaround Time | 1 week |
| Stat Turnaround Time | 2 days |
| Reference Interval | |
| Critical Values | |
| Lab Process Notes | Specimens are to be stored refrigerated in the laboratory triage area. Specimens should arrive from the unit already collected in fixative. If received fresh, the laboratory staff is to add equal volumes of the cytology fixative immediately |
| Storage and Transport | Specimens should be stored in the refrigerator |
| Test Referred To | Technical services referred off site. Final diagnosis and reporting performed by BCHS |
Contact Us
The Brantford General
200 Terrace Hill Street
Brantford, ON
N3R 1G9
519-751-5544
The Willett, Paris
238 Grand River St. North
Paris, ON
N3L 2N7
519-442-2251
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