Test Code PAP SMEAR, THIN PREP Pap Smear, Cervical or Vaginal
Performing Laboratory
Mercy Health
Specimen Requirements
Specimens are only accepted from physicians or their qualified representatives.
Cervex Brush, Thin Layer Broom
Specimen Type: Cervical, vaginal
Container/Tube: PreservCyt Solution Sample Collection and Transport Medium
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen
Collection Instructions:
1. Sample Collection Technique Using a Brush/Spatula Collection Device:
- Sample ectocervix with plastic spatula.
- Rinse spatula in the PreservCyt solution vial by swirling virgorously 10x. Place cap on vial until next step. Discard collection device.
- Sample endocervix with an endocervical brush.
- Rinse the brush in the PreservCyt solution by rotating the device in the solution 10x while pushing against the PreservCyt vial wall. Swirl the brush vigorously to further release material. Discard collection device.
- Tighten the PreservCyt sample vial cap so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.
2. Sample Collection Technique Using Broom-Like Collection Device:
- Obtain a sample from the cervix using a broom-like device.
- Rinse the brush in the PreservCyt solution vial by pushing the brush into the bottom of the vial 10x, forcing the bristles to bend apart to release cervical material. As a final step, twirl the brush between the thumb and forefinger vigorously to further release cellular material. Discard the collection device.
- Cap the PreservCyt sample vial tightly. Tighten the cap of the vial so that the black torque line on the cap passes the black torque line on the vial.
3. Label vial with at least two unique patient identifiers.
4. Forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Reference Values
An interpretative report will be provided.
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Friday
Methodology
ThinPrep Pap Test
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient
Test Classification and CPT Coding
88141-Interpretation
88142-Automated thin layer prep