BODY CAVITY FLUID SPECIMENS
05/19/2021
INDICATIONS:
Body cavity fluids are commonly evaluated for the presence of malignant cells from metastatic disease. Body cavity fluids are relatively easy to obtain and are relatively difficult to compromise.
SPECIMEN:
Fluid obtained from an appropriately performed paracentesis or thoracentesis procedure. The optimum amount of cavity fluid for cytology is 200-500 ml. Small amounts (as little as 10 ml) can be processed but are not optimal.
SUPPLIES:
1. Standard collection equipment
2. Clean collection container of appropriate size. If microbiology studies are desired, container must be sterile
3. Specimen Requisition
4. Specimen Bag with a biohazard label
COLLECTION:
Using standard techniques, obtain a fluid specimen from the desired body cavity. A minimum of 10 ml of specimen is desired for optional cytologic evaluation. If a large volume of fluid is collected, send the entire specimen (rather than a small aliquot) to the laboratory. If other laboratory studies are desired (e.g. cell count, microbiology, etc.) indicate the tests needed on the requisition form. At your lab, a portion of the specimen will be divided and sent for microbiology studies (currently sent to Quest Diagnostics). The remaining specimen will be processed for cytologic evaluation. Submit the specimen FRESH, WITHOUT FIXATIVE, in an appropriately labeled container to your lab along with the completed request form. If transport will be delayed, the specimen should be refrigerated until transport to the lab.
Complete test requisition including last and first name of patient, patient’s date of birth and social security number, body site and source of specimen collected. Label specimen container (using the labels provided on the requisition) with patient’s first name and last name, and body site/source. The container must have at least two (2) unique identifiers. Examples of unique identifiers: patient name, DOB, unique bar code, etc. Include pertinent clinical information, i.e., previous malignancy, radiation therapy, drugs, etc. Place container in a specimen bag with a biohazard label. Place the requisition in the side pocket of the specimen bag