Specimen Requirements

Sterile Container

Collection Instructions
Note: The ThinPrep® 2000 Processor is designed for use with PreservCyt® Solution.  Do not run any other collection media through it.  
Samples to be processed on the ThinPrep processor will arrive in the lab either fresh or in CytoLyt Solution.  There are preferred collection methods for different sample types.  
Fine Needle Aspirate Specimens:
The optimal collection technique for FNAs is to deposit and rinse the entire sample into a centrifuge tube containing 30 mL of CytoLyte Solution. 
A secondary method would be to collect the sample into a balance electrolyte solution such as Polysol® or Plasma-Lyte® injection solutions. 
Mucoid Specimens:
Mucoid specimens, sputa and brushes are best collected into CytoLyt Solution.  If they are collected fresh, CytoLyt Solution should be added as soon as possible.  Early addition of CytoLyt Solution preserves the sample and initiates the mucus dissolution process.  
Large volume of fresh mucoid specimens (greater than 20 mL) should be concentrated before addition of CytoLyt Solution to the sample.  
Fluid Specimens: 
The preferred method for preparing fluid samples (Urinary tract, effusions, synovial, cyst, and csf fluids) is to concentrate the fresh sample before any addition of CytoLyt Solution.  If this is not possible and the samples must be preserved for transport to the lab, collect the samples in CytoLyt Solution.  

• CytoLyt solution added directly to fluids with high levels of protein may produce some degree of protein precipitation

Note: Fluid collection in CytoLyt Solution is only considered a collection step.  
Superficial Specimens:
Superficial brushings and scrapings are the only non-gynecologic samples which are collected directly into PreservCyt Solution.  
Non-Recommended Collection Media:
Hologic does not recommend the use of the following collection solutions with the ThinPrep System.  Use of these solutions will produce sub-optimal results

•     Sacomanno and other solutions containing carbowax
•     Alcohol
•     Mucollexx
•     Normal saline
•     Culture media, RPMI solution
•     PBS
•     Solutions containing formalin