Specimen Requirements

Acceptable Specimens: Ascitic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, cyst fluid, paracentesis fluid, pericardial fluid, pericardiocentesis fluid, peritoneal fluid, peritoneal washing, pleural fluid, synovial fluid, or thoracentesis fluid Container/Tube:Plastic container, Vacutainer, or Thora-bagSpecimen Volume:Entire collectionCollection Instructions: 1.Label specimen with patient’s name, date of collection, physician’s name, hospital identification number (if applicable), and source of specimen.2.Rejection criteria include specimen informalin, saline, or alcohol.Additional Information:1. Immediately bring specimen to Pathology (open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m.-4 p.m.). On weekends or during off hours, leave request form and specimen in specimen basket on laboratory processing counter. Flip light switch to notify laboratory personnel.2. The following specimen will be returned to submitting physician:A. No request formB. Name on request form does not match name on specimenC. Unlabeled specimenD. Specimen improperly collectedE. Spilled specimenForms: Pathology requisition; or place a Pathology order in order entry including patient’s name, date of birth, date of collection, physician’s name, hospital identification number (in- or out-patient) or address, specimen source, pertinent clinical history, and bronchoscopy sheet