Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Body fluid; ascites,
paracentesis, pericardial, peritoneal, pleural, or synovial
fluid

Container/Tube: Sterile, screw-capped
container

Specimen Volume: 50-200 mL

Collection Instructions: 

1. Aseptically collect specimen.

2. Submit specimen fresh and unfixed. (Specimen from
outside Bronson Laboratory Services should be fixed in CytoLyt
solution and 2 air-dried smears should be submitted.)

3. Label container with patient’s full name, date of
birth, date of collection, and source of specimen.
4. Send specimen with completed requisition to laboratory
immediately. If there is a delay in transport, send specimen
refrigerated.
Additional Information: Causes for rejection
include inadequate specimen identification, prior fixation in
alcohol or formalin, and specimen submitted in a hepvac
container.

Forms: Pathology requisition; include
patient’s full name, date of birth, specimen source, date of
service, and pertinent clinical history