Cytopathology in focus: Can you send us your cytology slides? Labs are reimbursed for slides accepted into programs

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For nongynecologic cytology, the program is in need of well-stained examples in which diagnoses can be made on a single slide preparation. In particular, we are seeking urine samples, anal cytology samples, exfoliative bronchial specimens, and fine-needle aspirate specimens from a wide range of sites. Two-slide cases of fine-needle aspirate specimens may be sent in the following combinations: Papanicolaou stain and modified Giemsa stain, Papanicolaou stain and cell block, modified Giemsa stain and cell block. At this time, the NGC program is not in need of fluid specimens from pleural, pericardial, or peritoneal origin.

If your slides meet the following simple criteria, please consider submitting them to one of our many programs:

• Slide must have a glass coverslip (no plastic coverslips accepted).
• Slide should be free of chips or cracks.
• Slide stain should not be faded.
• Slide should be free of large air bubbles.

Distinct slide submission forms are available for gynecologic and nongynecologic specimens. They can be downloaded at www.cap.org. Use the search function to search for “slide submission forms.”

Dr. Booth, chair of the CAP Cytopathology Committee, is co-section head of cytopathology, Cleveland Clinic. Kelly Goodrich is a senior cytology technical specialist, College of American Pathologists, Northfield, Ill.