Pap, ThinPrep, Diagnostic

Pap, ThinPrep Diagnostic

Alternate Test Name

Gynecological Cytology (Pap Test)

Mnemonic

N/A

Methodology

Liquid-Based Cytology, Monolayer Cellular Preparation

Result Availability

Within 3 days

Container

ThinPrep Pap Test Vial with PreservCyt® Solution (Contact Laboratory)

Collection Instructions

Remarks:
• Diagnostic Paps are examined by a Cytotechnologist and then referred to a Pathologist regardless of diagnosis
• Patient should avoid douches 48-72 hours prior to examination

Label container with the following information:
• Patient Name
• Patient Date of Birth
• Date of Collection

On specimen requisition, please record:
• Patient Name
• Patient Date of Birth
• Date and Time of Collection (required)
• Last menstrual period, i.e. LMP (required)
• HPV order, if any
• Any other pertinent patient clinical history (e.g. hysterectomy, menopausal, postmenopausal, pregnant)

Brush/Spatula Protocol:
Brush
• Insert brush into cervix until only the bottom-most fibers are exposed, then slowly rotate 1/4 or 1/2 turn in one direction; rinse brush in the ThinPrep Pap Test vial by swirling it vigorously 10 times while pushing against the vial wall
• Please do not leave collection device in ThinPrep Test vial
• Close the ThinPrep Test vial securely

Spatula
• Use spatula to sample the ectocervix; swirl the spatula vigorously 10 times in the ThinPrep Pap Test vial
• Please do not leave collection device in ThinPrep Test vial
• Close the ThinPrep Test vial securely

Broom-Like Device Protocol:
• Insert the central bristles of the broom into the endocervical canal deep enough to allow the shorter bristles to fully contact the ectocervix, then push gently and rotate the broom in a clockwise direction 5 times; rinse the broom in the ThinPrep Pap Test vial by pushing the broom into the bottom of the vial to spread the bristles apart and then swirling the broom vigorously around the vial 10 times
• Please do not leave collection device in ThinPrep Test vial
• Close the ThinPrep Pap Test vial securely

Transportation Instructions

• Place in biohazard bag with requisition in outside pouch
• Transport at room temperature

Stability

Stable up to 6 weeks when stored at 15-30° C

Causes for Rejection

• Specimen submitted in formal (fixative used for tissue specimens)
• Improper or incomplete labeling and/or incomplete clinical information may result in delayed testing, as verification of correct information will be requested from collecting office

The following may produce suboptimal specimens:
• Failure to obtain an adequate cell sample will produce a low cellularity or unsatisfactory specimen
• Use of some lubrications interferes with ThinPrep processing and may result in an unsatisfactory specimen

Remarks

• Diagnostic Paps are examined by a Cytotechnologist and then referred to a Pathologist regardless of diagnosis
• Patient should avoid douches 48-72 hours prior to examination

CPT Codes

88142

Effective/Revised

10/9/14