Submission of specimen volumes greater than 35 mL is requested; optimal volume for routine cytological testing is 10 mL.
PREFERRED: After collection, send the fresh specimen in the appropriate container to the lab. Lab personnel must fix specimen within 2 hrs. of collection by adding 30 mL of Cytolyt.
ALTERNATE: If there will be a delay of more than two hours, fix specimen by adding 30 mL of Cytolyt.
NOTE: If a culture is also requested on the same specimen, collect specimen in a sage container without the alcohol fixative (fresh specimen). Specimen must be sent to Microbiology for culturing BEFORE adding the alcohol fixative.