Histology & Cytology Sample Collection Guide
Tissue Biopsies

1. Place tissue samples into 10% buffered formalin using a volume (mL) roughly equivalent to 10 times the tissue sample size to ensure adequate fixation.

2. Small biopsy specimens should be less than 1 cm thick. Submit large specimens intact.

3. Tissues need to be fixed for at least 24 hours. Please put the sample into fixative and write the patient details, time, and date on the request form and sample bottle.

4. Please fill in the request form with the animal’s name, species, breed, age, sex, clinic identifier, owner’s name, site(s)/source(s) of the specimen, and clinical history.

5. Please label the container with the animal’s name, clinic identifier, and site(s)/source(s). Please use another container for more than one site.

6. Ensure there is no leakage and place all samples in a well-sealed leak-proof specimen bag. Place the request form in the outer pocket.

7. Fees are determined by number of sites and size of the tissue.

Note:
Formalin fumes are rapidly penetrating. They alter the staining and morphology of haematology and cytology specimens. Keep open formalin containers away from these specimens even if opened momentarily.
CYTOLOGY

Cytological samples can be collected by imprinting, swabbing, scraping, or performing a fine-needle aspiration of the lesion.

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
Fluid specimens from cutaneous or subcutaneous masses should be placed immediately in EDTA tubes to prevent clot formation. If the fluid sample is in transit longer than 24 hours, please prepare a direct slide to accompany the tube.

Touch Imprints
Touch imprints can be helpful adjuncts to the histological examination of formalin-fixed tissues. Formalin vapors can alter the staining characteristics of touch imprints drastically. If touch imprints accompany formalin-fixed tissues, please put them in a separate air-tight container.

Smears
Direct smears for the cytological examination should be air-dried and not fixed or cover slipped.

SMEAR PREPARATION

Label the slides with name, clinic identifier, and site/source.

Place a small drop of fluid on the slide.

Using a slide spreader, touch the fluid and allow the fluid to spread.

Push the slide forward to achieve a feathery edge. Air dry. Care must be taken not to place excessive pressure on the slide, causing the cells to rupture.

Place air-dried slides in provided slide boxes, and label the outside of the box with name, clinic identifier and clinic name.