Made with Xara © Arkansas Pathology Associates 2010 Collection, Preservation, and Transportation of Tissue Specimens, Gyn Cytology Specimens, Non-Gyn Cytology Specimens, Flow Cytometry Specimens, HPV Screening and Genotyping by PCR, Chlamydia & Gonnorrhea by PCR, Group B Strep, and Herpes Simplex Types I/II by PCR and Cytology Reporting Terminology In an effort to provide efficient, accurate, and timely surgical pathology and cytology services, Arkansas Pathology Associates, P.A., has prepared this manual to serve as a guide for submission of tissue and cytology specimens.  Our goal is to aid you in the management of your patients and and outlining these procedures will hopefully enable us to do that.  If you have any questions, concerns, or changes, please contact us for assistance.  General Information Courier Service:  Courier service is available to most Arkansas locations Monday through Friday for specimen pickup, which is best accomplished as part of an established routine run. Quick Service:  Arkansas Pathology Associates Quick Service program allows you to send specimens via overnight shipping at no additional cost if you are located outside the courier service areas.  Reports can be faxed and/or mailed to your office to insure a fast turnaround time. STAT Service:  Arrangements for STAT service can be made upon request by calling the laboratory. Reporting Results:  Delivery of pathology and/or cytology reports can be made a number of ways: -Arkansas Pathology Associates courier -US Mail -Fax -Electronic Interface -CareEvolve   Turnaround Time:  Tissue and cytology specimens are processed on the same day as received, with interpretation and reporting accomplished within 24 to 48 hours for most routine cases.  Reporting times may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the need for special stains, consultation, prolonged fixation, etc.  Consultations or difficult cases are  made locally or sent to other nationally recognized pathology consultants.  Physicians are notified when extended delay in reporting is incurred.  When a specimen is labeled as a RUSH case, the report can be called to your office upon request.  Professional Consultation:  Members of our staff are always available to answer your questions, discuss interpretations, consult on unusual cases, or arrange for special studies.  Please contact Arkansas Pathology Associates or any of the individual pathologists when professional consultation is needed. Supplies:  When using Arkansas Pathology Associates for diagnosis of your patient’s specimens, supplies will be provided to your office to include:  -pre-filled Formalin containers in various sizes -pre-filled Acetic Zinc Formalin in containers -pre-filled CytoLyt containers in various sizes -Renal Biopsy Collection Kits -Michel’s solution for IF Stains -M4 Media with STD Swab Collection and Transport Kit for Chlamydia & Gonorrhea, Group B Strep, and HSV -MEMS -RPMI -Pap smear kits, 1 slide -Pap smear kits, 2 slides -ThinPrep vials (Pap tests, HPV, Chlamydia & Gonorrhea, Group B Strep, and HSV) -Broom-like devices -Endocervical brush/spatula -Specimen bags -Requisition forms -Cyto-chex (for peripheral blood flow specimens greater than 24 hours old) Other special supplies that you may prefer for your practice may also be supplied upon request.  Contact the     business office at (501) 663-4116 or (800) 663-8922 if a supply that you need is not listed.  Important Notes -Whenever there is doubt regarding specimen handling, call (501) 552-6700. -Refrigerated specimens should be identified when calling for pickup. -Be sure to include all insurance information on the requisition form.  It is helpful to attach a photocopy of the patient’s insurance card to the requisition form in order to assist our accounting office in filing a claim.  The accounting office handles questions concerning insurance or billing information.  They can be reached at (501) 663-4116 or (800) 663-8922. -To ensure proper reporting and diagnosis, all slides must be labeled with the patient’s full name.  All specimen containers must be labeled with the patient’s full name and specimen site.  If multiple containers are submitted from one patient, please label the containers:  1, 2, 3, etc. -The specimen site of origin must be written on each requisition submitted.  Without this information, the specimen may be delayed in reporting.  References Access Genetics Protocol for HPV American Society for Cytotechnology:  ASCT Cytopathology Quality Assurance Guide, Triol, J.H. (Ed.), 1992. American Society of Cytopathology:  Cervical Cytology Practice Guidelines, Delaware, 1997-2002. Bibbo, Marluce:  Comprehensive Cytopathology, Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders Company, 1991. Cytyc Corporation:  ThinPrep Pap Test Training Program, 1999. DeMay, Richard M.:  The Art & Science of Cytopathology, Chicago, ASCP, 1996. Henry, Michael:  Bethesda 2001:  A Re-Examination of Terminology and Reporting of Cervicovaginal Adequacy,     Benign Cellular Changes and Infections, Chicago, ASCP, Telconference No. 3157, 2001. Keebler, C.M. and Reagan, J.W.:  A Manual of Cytotechnology, 4th ed., Chicago ASCP, 1975. Keebler, C.M. and Somrak, Theresa M.:  A Manual of Cytotechnology, 7th ed., Chicago, ASCP, 1993. Koss, L.G.:  Diagnostic Cytology and Its Histopathologic Bases, 4th ed., Philadelphia, J.B. Lippincott Co., 1992. Kurman, Robert J. and Solomon, Diane:  The Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical/Vaginal Cytologic Diagnosis, New York, 1994. Meisels, Alexander and Morin, Carol:  Cytopathology of the Uterus, 2nd ed., Chicago, ASCP, 1997. Miller, K.E., Losh, D.P., Folley, A.:  Evaluation and Follow-Up of Abnormal Pap Smears, American Family Physician, 45:145-153, 1992.   Naib, Z.M.:  Cytopathology of Viral Infections, 11th Annual Mid-Continent Diagnostic Cytopathology Workshop, 1982. Roche Diagnostics, COBAS Amplicor CT/NG Assay Product Inserts. Sherman, Mark and Solomon, Diane:  Bethesda 2001:  A Re-Examination of Terminology and Reporting of Cervicovaginal Abnormalities, Chicago, ASCP, Teleconference Program No. 3159, 2001. Saccomanno, Geno:  Diagnostic Pulmonary Cytology, Chicago, ASCP, 1978. Weid, G.L., Koss, L.G., Reagan, J.W.:  Compendium on Diagnostic Cytology, 5th ed., International Academy of Cytology, Chicago, 1983.