Specimen Type/Requirements

Collection Instructions:
1. Gather appropriate specimen container(s), normal saline (if using), specimen labels and labeled requisition forms.
2. For BRONCHIAL BRUSHING: As soon as possible, cut off the brush tip and place into the CytoLyt collection vial immediately to minimize exposure to air. If additional brushings are collected from the SAME site repeat using the same vial.

• TO ASSESS FOR INFECTION – As soon as possible, cut brush tip off and place in properly labeled 120 ml sterile specimen container. Add enough sterile saline to cover the brush specimen (up to 30 mL) to the container.
• TO ASSESS FOR MALIGNANCY ONLY (no culture) – As soon as possible, cut brush tip off and place in prefilled CytoLyt container.
• NOTE: If additional brushings are collected from the SAME site repeat using the same container. Use separate containers for each additional site. Use a new vial for each additional site.

3. For BRONCHIAL WASHING or LAVAGE: Place specimen in properly prefilled cytolyt specimen container. Submit fresh specimen to lab as soon as possible.

• NOTE: Use a new container for a new specimen type (i.e. separate washings from lavage). Use a new container for a new location (i.e. when switching from right to left lung).

4. Label a specimen container in the presence of the patient at the time of collection. The container label must have the following information:

• Two unique patient identifiers (acceptable identifiers include patient’s name, medical record number, date of birth)
• Specimen source and method of collection
• Collection date and time

5. TO ASSESS  FOR ASPIRATION (presence of lipid):

• Send fresh specimen (no fixative). Lipid cannot be performed on specimens with fixatives added
• Include concern for aspiration on order. Lipid tests will only be performed on pediatric patients (under 18) or those with mention of aspiration in clinical indication/history.

6. TO ASSESS FOR HEMORRHAGE (Iron Staining):

• Send fresh specimen only (no fixative). Iron stain cannot be performed on specimens with CytoLyt added
• Include concern for hemorrhage on order. Iron stain will not be performed unless hemorrhage is mentioned.