Pap Test: ThinPrep®

• 88141
• 88142

Collection and Transport: This assay requires a ThinPrep^® Pap test special collection kit (#0102-T), which can be ordered separately through UF Health Pathology Laboratories’ Client Services Department by calling 888.375.LABS (5227).

Brush Spatula Protocol: Obtain an adequate sampling from the ectocervix by using a plastic spatula. If desired, use lukewarm water to warm and lubricate the speculum. Water-soluble gel lubricant, sparingly applied to the posterior blade of the speculum, can be used if necessary.¹ Rotate the contoured end of plastic spatula 360° around the entire exocervix while maintaining tight contact with the exocervical surface.

Rinse the spatula in the PreservCyt^™ solution as quickly as possible by swirling the spatula vigorously in the vial 10 times; then, discard the spatula.

Obtain an adequate sampling from the endocervix by using an endocervical brush device. Insert the brush into the cervix until only the bottommost fibers are exposed. Slowly rotate 1/4 or 1/2 turn in one direction. Do not over-rotate.

Rinse the brush as quickly as possible in the PreservCyt^™ solution by rotating the device in the solution 10 times while pushing against the PreservCyt^™ vial wall. Swirl the brush vigorously to further release specimen material; then, discard the brush.

Tighten the cap so the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial. Record the patient’s name and date of birth on the vial, in addition to recording the patient information and medical history on the cytology requisition form.

Place the vial and requisition in a specimen bag for transport to the laboratory.

¹ _{Cervicovaginal Cytology Based on the Papanicolaou Technique; Approved Guideline – Third Edition (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute GP15-A3).}

Broom-Like Device Protocol: Obtain an adequate sampling from the cervix by using a broom-like device. If desired, use lukewarm water to warm and lubricate the speculum. Water-soluble gel lubricant, sparingly applied to the posterior blade of the speculum, can be used if necessary.1 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.

Rinse the broom as quickly as possible into the PreservCyt^™ solution vial by pushing the broom into the bottom of the vial 10 times, forcing the bristles apart. As a final step, swirl the broom vigorously to further release specimen material; then, discard the collection device.

Tighten the cap so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.

Record the patient’s name and date of birth on the vial, and the patient information and medical history on the cytology requisition form.

Place the vial and requisition in a specimen bag for transport to the laboratory.

¹ _{Cervicovaginal Cytology Based on the Papanicolaou Technique; Approved Guideline Third Edition (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute GP15-A3).}

Storage/Transport Temperature: Submit specimens according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines.

Remarks: This test requires a ThinPrep^® Pap Test^™ special collection kit that must be ordered separately through UF Health Pathology Laboratories’ Client Services Department at 888.375.LABS (5227).

• Lack of a properly completed requisition (especially federally required information)
• Insufficient pertinent clinical history
• Obscuring inflammation, debris or excessive air-drying
• Always record if a cytobrush was used to perform the Pap test. Failing to record the use of a cytobrush may result in erroneous atypical results for the patient.

• Ambient:
  • ThinPrep®: 3 weeks at 4° – 37° C

A Pap smear examines the cells of the cervix and detects cell abnormalities. Both, cancerous and precancerous cells can be detected. Pap tests are recommended in women ages 21 – 64, every two years with normal Pap results. Vaginal Pap smears can also be performed but must be noted on the requisition.

The ThinPrep^® Pap test addresses these limitations with liquid-based preparation, improving specimen adequacy and significantly increasing test sensitivity. The ThinPrep^® Pap test is the first test of this kind. Since its introduction, it has contributed to a further 28% reduction in invasive cervical cancers in the United States.¹

¹ _{Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. SEER Database: Incidence – SEER 9 Regs Public-Use, Nov. 2004 Sub (1973-2002), National Cancer Institute, DCCPS, Surveillance Research Program, Cancer Statistics Branch, released April 2005, based on November 2004 submission.}

ThinPrep® 2000 system preparation with routine cytopathologic evaluation

Within 5 days