Breast Secretions

 

Use of Test

Evaluation of breast secretions for premalignant and malignant changes. Includes breast fluid from secretion or discharge.

Patient Preparation

As per clinician

Collection Technique

Alcohol Fixed Technique:

  • Express fluid directly onto slide
  • Fix immediately with spray, or immerse in 95% alcohol
  • Repeat procedure until fluid can no longer be expressed

Air-Dried Technique:

  • Express fluid directly onto slide
  • Allow slide to air-dry; DO NOT put in alcohol, or spray with fixative
  • Repeat procedure until fluid can no longer be expressed

PLEASE NOTE: Often, the first slides prepared consist of inflammation, whereas the latter slides contain diagnostic material.

 

WSLH cytology requisition form #141 must include:

  • Patient’s full legal name
  • Full address, especially if patient has third-party insurance (commercial or government)
  • Clinic medical record number, if available
  • Date of birth
  • Date of collection
  • Specimen source
  • Clinician’s name, clinic address, phone and fax number
  • Date of last menstrual period (LMP)
  • Pertinent clinical history
  • Result of previous Pap test
  • Payment information

Diagnostic Range

  • Negative for malignant cells
  • Atypical cells
  • Suspicious for malignancy
  • Positive for malignancy

Limitations

Abnormal findings must be correlated with history and other test results.

Availability

Monday-Friday

Turnaround Time

24 hours

PLEASE NOTE: Results may be delayed or the sample rejected if pertinent and/or required information is missing or needs clarification.

 

Test Codes

93101    BREAST

Specimen Submission Requirements

Breast Secretion Kit #16 and Mailers – Instructions For Submitting Specimens For Non-Gynecologic Evaluations

This kit is intended for collection and shipment of breast scretion/discharge specimens for analysis of premalignant or malignant disease.

Contents:

  • Frosted-end glass slides
  • Plastic slide container
  • Styrofoam mailers
  • Mailing labels
  • Biohazard sticker
  • Requisition form

Mandatory Requirements

  • Write patient’s full legal name on slide
  • Make sure patient’s name, DOB and DOS are on slide and container
  • Complete WSLH requisition form #141
  • Collect specimen and transfer to glass slide

Mailing Guidelines

  • Insert glass slide in plastic slide container
  • Place the plastic holder into the styrofoam mailing box
  • Place completed requisition form in the styrofoam mailer
  • Label the styrofoam mailer with the following:
    • Your laboratory/clinic’s address
    • WSLH Cytology Department address
    • Diagnostic specimen label
    • Biohazard sticker

PLEASE NOTE: The specimen does not need to be refrigerated or packed with ice. The styrofoam mailer does not need to be placed in a biohazard bag.