Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

Fresh, unfixed samples must be collected in to a sterile 25ml universal container and the lid of the container must be applied securely. 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

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 sputum samples we recommend that a fresh, early morning specimen is produced by deep cough.

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.

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.