Specimen Requirements

Acceptable Specimens:Tissue, all non-gyn body fluids (eg, pleural, peritoneal, CSF, pericardial), respiratory tract specimens (eg, bronchial washings, brushings, sputum), fine needle aspirations (eg, thyroid, breast, lymph node), spinal fluids, or urinary and gastrointestinal tract specimens Unacceptable Specimen: BloodContainer/Tube:Sterile containerSpecimen Volume:Entire collectionCollection Instructions: Label container with patient’s name, date of collection, physician’s name, hospital identification number (if applicable), and source of specimen.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. Specimen improperly collectedB. No request formC. Name on request form does not match name on specimenD. Unlabeled 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, and pertinent clinical history