Sample collection and transport

Diagnostic cytopathology: pots and special instructions

Different samples need different containers. Please use the container shown for your sample type, and check the special precautions in the sample collection table before you take the sample.

A CSF sample container with a screw cap — CSF sample container with screw cap

A screw capped container with CytoRich Red preservative — Screw capped container with CytoRich Red preservative

A screw capped container with CytoRich Red preservative, shown ready for use — Screw capped container with CytoRich Red preservative

A specimen mixed with an equal volume of CytoRich Red — Specimen with an equal volume of CytoRich Red

A fresh specimen ready for the laboratory — Fresh specimen

Send these samples to the department as soon as possible so that preparation can be undertaken. If you are unsure which container to use, please ring the laboratory before you take the sample.

Mycology: respiratory samples

Sending respiratory samples from clinical areas: follow the transport route for your site, bag the sample correctly, and never send a sample in the way shown in the last picture.

Diagram: sending respiratory samples from clinical areas — Sending respiratory samples from clinical areas

Diagram: how respiratory samples are transported — Transportation

Diagram of the correct transport bag — Transport bag

Diagram marked do NOT: a respiratory sample sent in the wrong way — Do NOT send a respiratory sample like this

Fine needle aspiration cytology

The Diagnostic Cytopathology department at the Oxford Road site provides biomedical scientist assistance at fine needle aspiration cytology clinics, and our guides explain how to perform the procedure and how to make spreads from the sample.

General preanalytics

Tips and techniques in preanalytics, our haemolytic samples leaflet, blood tube guidance, labelling and request forms are all on our reports and publications page.

Reports and publications