Cytology: ThinPrep® Pap Test

Use of Test: Evaluation of cervical-vaginal specimen for premalignant, malignant and inflammatory changes.

Includes evaluation of:

Collection Technique:

CONTAINER IDENTIFICATION:  Two patient identifiers are required on all specimen containers.  Collection dates and specimen source should also be placed on the container. Identification may be afixed with a label or hand printed.  Required identifiers include: 

• Full legal first and last name of the patient
• MRN or other unique identifier to the patient

Obtain an adequate sampling from the cervix using a broom-like device or using a plastic spatula and endocervical brush.

• BROOM-LIKE DEVICE:
  • Insert the central bristles of the broom into the endocervical canal deep enough to allow the shorter bristles to fully contact the ectocervix.
  • Push gently, and rotate the broom in a clockwise direction five times.
  • Immediately and vigorously swirl the cell contents into the Preservsit vial for at least 10 seconds or 10 swirls around the bottom of the vial.
• BRUSH
  • Insert the central bristles of the brush into the endocervical canal
  • Rotate the brush in a clockwise direction 1/4-1/2 turn.  NOTE that turning more than a 1/2 turn may cause excessive bleeding leading to an unsatisfactory pap test.
  • Immedicatly and vigorously swirl and twirl the brush around the edges of the vial for at least 10 seconds or 10 swirls.
• SPATULA
  • Insert the spatula into the ectocervix
  • Rotate the spatula one full turn in a clockwise direction
  • Quickly place the spatula into the vial and swish in the liquid at least 10 times or 10 seconds

PLEASE NOTE:   Vial should be properly closed to prevent spilling or leakage.

Forms Required:

Cytology request form must include:

• Patient name:  Full legal first and last names 
• Date of birth
• Specimen source
• Date of collection
• Clinic, clinician's name and phone number
• Pertinent clinical history
• Date of last menstrual period
• Result of previous Pap smear

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

Diagnostic Range:

• Negative for Intraepithelial Lesions
• Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance
• Atypical Squamous Cells cannot rule out High Grade Lesion
• Atypical Glandular Cells of Undetermined Significance
• Low Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion
  • Human Papillomavirus
  • Mild Dysplasia
  • Mild Dysplasia with Human Papilloma Virus
• High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion
  • Moderate Dysplasia
  • Severe Dysplasia
  • Carcinoma in situ
• Endocervical Adenocarcinoma in situ
• Positive for Squamous Carcinoma
• Positive for Endocervical Adenocarcinoma
• Positive for Endometrial Adenocarcinoma

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

Availability: Monday-Friday

Turnaround Time: 7 days

Test Code: 95001

Container: Call Cytology lab for supplies

Specimen Submission Requirements