Flow Cytometry

ALL SPECIMEN TUBES OR CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH:
1)        Last and first name
2)        Date of collection

Peripheral Blood:
1)        
Collect 5-10 ml EDTA anti-coagulated blood.
2)        
Specimens must be accompanied by a copy of the latest CBC report,
and a stained peripheral blood film, and transported at room
temperature.
3)        
Store specimens at room temperature until processing.
4)        
Specimens sent for CD4/CD8 testing can be processed up to 72 hours
after collection.
5)        
Specimens for identification of lymphoma/leukemia, should be
processed within 24 hours of collection.

Bone Marrow:
1)        
1-2 ml. EDTA anti-coagulated bone marrow is required.  The specimens
must be accompanied by two unstained or stained aspirate smears, for
morphologic screening.
2)        
Transport cool if possible. If using a cold pack, protect specimen from
freezing by wrapping cold pack with tissue paper or paper towels.
3)        
As much clinical information, including differential diagnosis, should be
included, as is possible, as this information is essential for proper
selection and interpretation of cell surface markers.
4)        
Bone marrow specimens should be processed within 24 hours of
collection.  If this is not possible, store in refrigerator.


Tissue (Lymph Node, Spleen, etc.):
1)        
A minimum of 1-2 cubic centimeters of tissue is desired.  A greater
quantity of tissue may be helpful, if the specimen is fibrous, fatty,
hemorrhagic, etc.
2)        
Keep moist by wrapping in saline-soaked gauze.
3)        
Place wrapped specimen in a labelled plastic container and send on
WET ice immediately.
4)        
DO NOT FREEZE, DO NOT USE FORMALIN. If using a cold pack, protect
specimen from freezing by wrapping cold pack with tissue paper.
5)        
Include the pathology report or clinical history.
6)        
With regard to late specimens, received after 4 PM, the fresh tissue
should be wrapped in saline soaked gauze, and kept refrigerated until
transportion to CAP-LAB is possible.
7)        
Keep specimen cool and moist until testing, ideally within 24 hours


Fluids (pleural fluid, ascites, etc.):
1)        
Collect 10-20 ml. fluid and, if possible, add EDTA anti-coagulant,
particularly if the specimen is grossly bloody.
2)        
Ensure labeling of container with first and last name of patient, date of
collection.
3)        
Store and transport specimen cool, not frozen.
4)        
Do NOT add formalin or other fixative including Cytolyt.
5)        
Keep specimen cool until testing.

Fine needle Aspirates:
1)        
Collect several needle passes in normal saline, NOT formalin or Cytolyte
and keep cool until testing.
2)        
Normal saline is preferred over flow or culture media, as a transport
media.
3)        
Ensure of proper labeling of container and provide clinical information.
4)        
Send to CAP LAB, for processing, as soon as possible.

Core biopsy:  
1)        
At least two core biopsy samples, each of 5-10 mm. length, is
recommended, in addition to those provided for routine processing and
histology.
2)         
Place specimen on gauze.  Keep moist by adding saline soaked gauze to
container.
3)         
Label container with first and last name of patient, date of collection.
4)        
Specimen should be kept cool until testing, including during transport.



Late and after hours specimens:
1)        
Peripheral Blood; Keep at room temperature until the next business day.
2)        
Bone marrow specimens; Keep in the fridge at 2-6o C until the next day.
3)        
Tissue; Keep moist and cool in the refrigerator. Notify pathologist on call.
4)        
During weekends;  Notify pathologist on call.

NOTE: Please contact CAP-LAB directly at (517) 372-5520