Specimen / container requirements

Label microscope slides in pencil with:

  • patient's full name
  • DOB
  • hospital number.

Spread material directly onto a pre-labelled microscope slide.

Fix immediately in alcohol i.e. fully immerse in a container of alcohol whilst the specimen is still wet.

Remove after 15 minutes.

Allow slides to air dry.

Place into a plastic slide transport box and send to the laboratory.

Please note:

  • If material remains in needle hub, rinse into Sedfix [an alcohol-containing transport medium available to OUH departments from the laboratory on request] and send to the laboratory.