Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

Plus (+) glass slides with direct smears. Fluid obtained by FNA and needle rinsings submitted in capped 10 mL vial with 6 mL RPMI.

Target lesion is aspirated with a 25 gauge needle. First drop of material smeared between two glass "+" slides. One slide is air-dried; the other is fixed in 95% ethanol. Two slides, one air-dried and one alcohol-fixed, submitted per needle pass. Materials in excess of the first slide preparation to be rinsed into RPMI solution. Needle rinsings are placed in RPMI solution. Label RPMI with patient ID, (name, MRN), and specimen source. Label each slide in pencil with patient name and MRN. Clearly indicate for each slide whether it was fixed or air-dried to ensure appropriate processing.

Sterilization of skin surface with alcohol wipe for FNA without image guidance.

Glass slides: Room temperature. RPMI transported with ice pack if > 2 hour transport.

Inadequate patient identifiers on specimen, unlabeled specimen, discrepancy between patient specimen and requisition information, improper collection.

Cytologic examination of smears. RPMI suspension used for either cell block preparation or ancillary studies (e.g., flow cytometry).

FNA, FNAB, cytology, Fine needle biopsy aspirate, aspirate

Fine needle aspiration of mass lesions is commonly utilized in the detection of a variety of malignant diseases. Obtaining an adequate specimen requires attention to good aspiration technique as well as to processing of material obtained. Indications: To dignose mass lesions and to characterize the type of malignancy or benign disease which is present.