Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Nipple discharge

Container/Tube: Glass slides in plastic
slide container

Specimen Volume: Slides

Collection Instructions: 

1. Label frosted end of 2 slides with patient’s name and
date of birth.
2. Gently strip subareolar area and nipple with thumb and
forefinger.
3. When secretion occurs, allow pea-sized drop to accumulate on
apex of nipple and gently move slide across secretion.
4. Allow slides to air dry and place in slide container.
5. Label slide container with patient’s full name, date of
birth, date of collection, and source of specimen.
6. Send specimen with completed requisition to the laboratory
promptly at ambient temperature.

Additional Information: Cause for rejection
includes improper labeling.

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