Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

Sputum samples for DCC must be collected into a sterile labelled universal container packed with icepacks and transported immediately to the laboratory for preparation to prevent cellular degeneration. Please ensure that the laboratory at BHH has been informed on ext. 41191 prior to sending the sample, to ensure trained BMS are available to process the sample immediately, on receipt. The sample container must be labelled with the following patient identifiable details (PID) in order for the sample to be accepted: • Full name • NHS Number • Date of Birth &/or Hospital Number Additionally the sample should then be packed between ice/ ice packs and delivered to the Pathology department in an insulated Labcold transport box.

Minimum volume required

Up to 20 ml of sample

Special requirements

Any samples taken from patients identified as having high risk pathogens e.g HIV , Hepatitis B, TB must be clearly labelled to ensure safe handling by Cytology staff.

Patient preparation

For taking sputum samples for DCC (induced or spontaneous) we recommend that users follow their local protocols.

Sample viability

Fresh samples should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection to minimise cellular degradation. If there is a delay in delivery of the sample to the laboratory, the sample should be refigerated (2-8 °c) until transport can be arranged.

Turnaround time

80% samples reported in 7 days and 90% in 14 days. For urgent samples earlier reporting can be requested.

Reference range

N/A

Clinical guidance

Spontaneous or induced sputum is a relatively non- invasive means of airway sampling that allows the analysis of cellular components within sputum. Differential cell counts (DCC) of sputum specimens are performed by the analysis of 400 inflammatory cells and calculation of the average percentage of each cell type.

Notes

The following consumables can be ordered by contacting the BHH Cytology department on 0121 4241191: Universal bottles containing Cytolyt® (fixative), slides, slide carriers, orange transport bags and non gynae cytology request forms. Please allow a minimum of 48 hours from request for receipt of consumables. Cytorich Red fixative can be ordered by contacting the Cytology department at QEHB on 0121 3713314 If additional tests for other pathology disciplines are required e.g. microbiology, please send a separate sample and request form to the relevant department as multiple requests sent on the same request form can result in tests being missed. Measurement of uncertainty values are available for differential cell counts - please contact laboratory for details.