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Cytopathology

  • Slides/specimens not processed for screening include:
    • Gynecological slides (pap smears) or non-gynecological direct smears that are not labeled with the patient’s first and last name.
      Note: Both the first and last names are required.  The actual slide must be labeled, not the slide holder/mailer. Pencil is recommended as ink often washes off the slide during the staining process.
    • Non-gynecological specimen containers that are not labeled with the patient’s first and last name. 
    • The patient’s first or last name on the slide/specimen container differs from the name on the requisition.
    • The slide is broken beyond repair.
    • The specimen container is broken, leaking or empty.
    • Incomplete or incorrect patient or ordering physician information on the requisition.
    • No slide or specimen accompanies the requisition form.
    • No requisition form accompanies the slide or specimen.
  • All requests will be accessioned (i.e. assigned a laboratory number).
  • All accessioned requests will generate a report.
  • In the event a request is accessioned and the specimen is not processed, the requisition and slide/specimen will be returned to the ordering physician or office with a report detailing why processing did not occur.