FISH Testing

Procedure:

Specimen Collection and Transport:

Step 1

The specimen collection cup has a blue cap; the PreservCyt vial has a white cap. Label both containers with patient’s full name and requesting physician.

Step 2

Collect at least 50ml of clean catch urine, preferable first urine in the morning in a specimen collection cup. If greater than 66ml collected in urine cup, pour off excess.

Step 3

Unscrew the cap of the PreservCyt vial and pour PreservCyt fluid into urine cup. Replace the cap on the urine cup and swirl to mix urine with PreservCyt. Place urine cup in biohazard bag with absorbent pad, seal and put completed test requisition form in the outside pocket of the biohazard bag.

Step 4

If it takes longer than 24 hours for the specimen to reach CAP-Lab then place specimen in refrigerator, otherwise it can remain at room temperature once put in PreservCyt until pick-up.

Step 5

If a urine specimen is received without PreservCyt in it, add Thin prep PreservCyt to the urine with a 2:1 urine to PreservCyt ratio. This specimen can be stored in PreservCyt up to 48 hours before processing.

Step 6

Arrange for transportation via CAP-Lab at 517-372-5520.