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LIQUID BASED THIN-LAYER PAP - Cytology (PAP SMEAR PROCEDURE)
Test Mnemonic:
Specimen Requirements:

Pertinent clinical information must be included when ordering. ThinPrep PreservCyt vial must be have the patient's label attached.
Collection:

  1. Insert the Brush into the endo-cervical canal.

  2. Apply gentle pressure until the bristles form against the cervix.

  3. Maintaining gentle pressure, hold the stem between the thumb and forefinger and rotate the brush five times in a clockwise direction.

  4. Remove the Brush from the patient.

  5. Vigorously smash the brush into the fixative vial several times to remove the sample from the brush. Do no leave the brush in the vial.

  6. Place the cap on the vial and tighten.

  7. Make sure patient label is attached to vial.

  8. Put the vial into a specimen bag and send to the Cytopathology lab.
Container:

ThinPrep PreservCyt Fluid Vial
Storage/Transport:

Specimen should be stored in the ThinPrep PreservCyt vial at room temperature.
Specimen Preparation:

Sample will be kept in the ThinPrep preservCyt Vial

  • Optimal smears are obtained mid-cycle.
  • Specimens obtained during menses are frequently limited and may be non-diagnostic due to obscuring blood and inflammation.
  • Check expiration date on collection container before using.

Use of lubricant is discouraged as it precludes optimal results during the processing of the cytology specimen
Stability:

Sample is discarded after 30 days
Causes for Rejection:

Incomplete and/or improper labeling, insufficient pertinent clinical history, no date/time/collector information. See Medicare Coverage of Pap Smears.
Reference Range:
Turnaround Time:

Routine: 5-10 working days; STAT: 2-3 days.
Methodology:
Performed:

Specimens are accepted Monday-Friday from 8 AM-5 PM (except holidays) at Room 4.610, Clinical Services Wing. After hours specimens should be dropped off at sample managment on the 7th floor CSW
Lab:

Cytology
Clinical Indication:

Detection of abnormal and malignant cervical cells
When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent.
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