Breast
The following procedure should be observed when aspirating breast cyst fluid:
- Label a syringe or transport container with the patient's full name (first and last), date of birth and sample collection site.
- Using a needle and syringe, aspirate breast cyst fluid.
- The entire specimen may be submitted in Cytolyt® Preservative (up to 30 cc per vial).
- Rinse the needle in Cytolyt® Preservative solution by aspirating and ejecting the Cytolyt® solution 2-3 times.
As an alternative, the aspirated breast cyst fluid may be submitted to the laboratory unfixed. Carefully remove the needle from the syringe and replace it with the needle cap. Do not submit a syringe with the needle attached. Send all of the aspirated fluid to the laboratory as soon as possible. Keep the specimen refrigerated.