Cytological samples can be collected by imprinting, swabbing, scraping and/or performing a fine-needle aspiration of the lesion.
Direct smears for cytological examination should be air dried and not fixed or cover slipped.
Fluid specimens should be placed immediately in EDTA tubes to prevent clot formation. If the fluid will be in transit longer than 24 hours, a direct slide preparation should be made to accompany the tube.
Touch imprints can be helpful adjunct to the histological examination of formalin-fixed tissues. Formalin vapours can alter the staining characteristics of touch imprints drastically. When touch imprints accompany formalin-fixed tissues, they should be placed in their own air-tight container. |