Collect	An induced sputum is optimal
	Remarks	Have patient rinse mouth with water thoroughly before collecting sample to decrease the number of oral squamous cells, which can otherwise obscure the relatively scant pulmonary material. In order to be adequate for diagnosis, the specimen must consist of a high proportion of pulmonary material since the pulmonary tree sheds so few cells compared to the oropharynx. Write “Refrigerate” and deliver promptly to Central Processing. If collected on Friday add one volume of Saccomanno’s fixative (available from Cytology) to preserve cells in case they cannot be processed over the weekend.
	Notes	All specimens must have two forms of patient identification on them and be accompanied by a Cytology Requisition that includes the patient name, medical record number, source of specimen and the submitting physician’s name. Slides must be labeled with the patient’s name and medical record number (if available) using a pencil. An adequate clinical history including pertinent lab/x-ray findings is essential. Missing information may result in a delay of the pathology report. Supplies listed below are available from the General Stores or the Cytology Laboratory. Submit all specimens including night and weekend specimens to Central Processing.

88112 *The CPT codes provided are based on the AMA guidelines and for informational purposes