| 21st March 2025 | Collection & Request Instructions | Ascitic, Pericardial, Synovial/Joint and Pleural Fluid.
Specimen should be collected in a sterile container(s). These fluids are often clotted on arrival and only a qualitative count and Gram stain are performed.
For cell counts, an EDTA tube is required
For Cytology see Anatomical Pathology Laboratory - Cytology Service
If Cytology is the primary pathology test requested for malignancy testing a bag of fluid may be sent in addition to the 50ml containers. Bags of fluid must be transported to the laboratory in buckets. Buckets are available from Theatre or Pathology. Collect bucket prior to transporting fluid.
Transport as soon as possible to the laboratory as cells rapidly deteriorate. Specimens for cytology therefore should be transported at 2-8oC. Fluids only for microbiology may be transported at room temperature.
| Ascitic, Pericardial, Synovial/Joint and Pleural Fluid.
Specimen should be collected in a sterile container(s). These fluids are often clotted on arrival and only a qualitative count and Gram stain are performed.
For cell counts, an EDTA tube is required
For Cytology see Anatomical Pathology Laboratory - Cytology Service
If Cytology is the primary pathology test requested for malignancy testing a bag of fluid may be sent in addition to the 50ml containers. Bags of fluid must be transported to the laboratory in buckets. Buckets are available from Theatre or Pathology. Collect bucket prior to transporting fluid.
NB: negative pressure drainage units (atrium drain, Oasis) are NOT suitable for Microbiological investigations. An appropriately collected fluid should be sent. These samples are only suitable for Cytology investigations.
Transport as soon as possible to the laboratory as cells rapidly deteriorate. Specimens for cytology therefore should be transported at 2-8oC. Fluids only for microbiology may be transported at room temperature.
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