Urine & Urothelial Brushings

Detection and characterization of malignant cells and other urologic abnormalities in symptomatic (usually hematuria) patients; screening for malignancy in selected individuals at high risk for the development of urologic malignancy; detection and characterization of some non-neoplastic renal diseases in symptomatic (usually hematuria) patients.

Urine Collection:

A midstream, clean catch specimen is recommended to avoid vaginal contamination in female patients. A midstream specimen, not necessarily a clean catch, is recommended for male patients. If the patient must be catheterized to obtain the specimen, this should be noted on the specimen requisition form. Catheterization can lead to a more cellular specimen with certain cytologic features that may be misinterpreted without the knowledge that the patient was catheterized

1. Have the patient clean the genital/urinary area with a towelette or cloth with warm water.
2. Have the patient remove the lid from the container and be careful not to touch the inside of the container with the fingers or genitalia.
3. Have the patient pass a small amount of urine into the toilet then move the container into the urine stream and capture approximately 50 mL of urine (midstream, clean catch specimen).

The nurse or office laboratory should add 30 mL of urine to the 10 mL blue top urine preservative tube. Always note the collection method on the request form for Cytology specimens. (Check the correct box)  If transport of the specimen is delayed, the specimen should be refrigerated until proper fixation occurs. 

For a urine x3 specimen, repeat the above for three consecutive days.  Number each specimen and submit it to the laboratory the same day specimen is collected

Female patients: Do not collect your urine for testing if menstruating, wait until the period has finished.

Urothelial Brushings:

Place the actual brush from the procedure directly into the CytoLyt® preservative immediately.‍

       NOTE:  Do not make any smears from the sample.