Slides not labeled with patient name
Crushed slides
Laterality and source not given
Collection Comments
Cerner order: Type “ Misc.“ under specimen type. The source MUST be entered into the comment section of the order. Type : Nipple discharge and laterality
Submitting personnel must verify source by writing on Cerner label and providing signature.
Write the patient name, MRN or date of birth, and sample site on the end of glass slides.
Gently massage the subareolar area and nipple with thumb and forefinger to allow for fluid/discharge secretion.
Allow for a pea sized drop to accumulate.
Touch the fluid/discharge secretion to a clean slide and withdraw quickly.
The smears can be allowed to air dry.
Repeat the procedure to collect more specimens from nipple on other slides if needed.
If nipple secretion is more than a drop make additional smears using ‘pull apart” method. Hold a second slide gently on the top of the first slide containing the fluid/discharge secretion: allow the weight of the slide to spread the secretion between the two slides; quickly but gently pull the slides apart. Immediately fix both slides using the spray fixative or by immersing in 95% alcohol.
After specimen is collected, gently place the slides in a cardboard or plastic slide holder (labeled with patient’s name and medical record). Place the slide holder along with a completed requisition in a sealable biohazard bag.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Place glass slides in a cardboard folder or slide transport container to prevent breaking.
Special Handling
Fragile glass slides need to be transported in cardboard tray or slide holders.
Ordering Recommendations
Detection of malignant cells in nipple discharge specimens.
Slides not labeled with patient name
Crushed slides
Laterality and source not given
Collection Comments
Cerner order: Type “ Misc.“ under specimen type. The source MUST be entered into the comment section of the order. Type : Nipple discharge and laterality
Submitting personnel must verify source by writing on Cerner label and providing signature.
Write the patient name, MRN or date of birth, and sample site on the end of glass slides.
Gently massage the subareolar area and nipple with thumb and forefinger to allow for fluid/discharge secretion.
Allow for a pea sized drop to accumulate.
Touch the fluid/discharge secretion to a clean slide and withdraw quickly.
The smears can be allowed to air dry.
Repeat the procedure to collect more specimens from nipple on other slides if needed.
If nipple secretion is more than a drop make additional smears using ‘pull apart” method. Hold a second slide gently on the top of the first slide containing the fluid/discharge secretion: allow the weight of the slide to spread the secretion between the two slides; quickly but gently pull the slides apart. Immediately fix both slides using the spray fixative or by immersing in 95% alcohol.
After specimen is collected, gently place the slides in a cardboard or plastic slide holder (labeled with patient’s name and medical record). Place the slide holder along with a completed requisition in a sealable biohazard bag.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Place glass slides in a cardboard folder or slide transport container to prevent breaking.
Special Handling
Fragile glass slides need to be transported in cardboard tray or slide holders.
Ordering
Ordering Recommendations
Detection of malignant cells in nipple discharge specimens.
