UCMC Collection Instructions

Direct Smears (FNA): Use single-end frosted slides for the preparation of smears. Label each slide with two unique identifiers (patient name and date of birth or MRN) and the source. Once the specimen is on the slide, it must be smeared. To accomplish this, oppose a second glass slide onto the first, allowing the aspirated material to provide surface tension between the two slides, then gently and quickly pull the two slides apart in a horizontal motion to distribute the material in a thin film over both slides. Slides may then be immediately fixed with spray fixative or immersed in 95% ethyl alcohol for 10 minutes or air-dried (no fixative) for Diff-Quik staining. Allow the slides to completely dry. Indicate with an “F” for fixed or an “A” for air-dried on the frosted end of the slide.

Needle Rinse (FNA): If material remains in the hub of the needle, residual may be rinsed into a tube containing cytology fixative or a physiologic solution such as normal saline or RPMI. If direct smears are not prepared, flush all aspirated material into cytology fixative or a physiologic solution.