Specimen Requirements

Label all specimens with 2 patient identifiers (Full patient legal name & date of birth or Spectrum Health Medical Record Number, MRN)

Gynecological Collection

Includes vaginal/cervical cytology collection and Thin Prep Pap Test methods.

Suggestions for adequate smear:

• Patient should avoid douches 48-72 hours prior to examination.
• Do Pap smear prior to bimanual exam.
• Visualize entire cervix
• Do ectocervical scraping first and then endocervical sample by gently rotating brush to reduce bleeding caused by brush.
• Small amounts of blood will not interfere with cytologic evaluation, but large amounts preclude cytologic evaluation.
• Use of lubricating jelly will interfere with cytologic examination.  Please refer to Hologic Letter, located in the resource section to the left.
• Do not use wooden collection devices.

Thin Prep Pap Test Collection

Broom-Like Device Protocol

1. Obtain an adequate sampling from the cervix by inserting 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 broom in a clockwise direction five times.
2. Rinse broom 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 the material. Discard the collection device.

Endocervical Brush/Spatula Protocol

1. Obtain an adequate sampling from the ectocervix using a plastic spatula.
2. Rinse the spatula into the PreservCyt solution vial by swirling the spatula vigorously in the vial 10 times. Discard the spatula.
3. Obtain an adequate sampling from the endocervix using an endocervical brush device. Insert the brush into the cervix until only the bottom most fibers are exposed. Slowly rotate ¼ or ½ turn in one direction. Do not over-rotate!
4. Rinse the brush 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 material. Discard the brush.

Specimen Container

1. Tighten the cap so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.
2. Record the patient’s full name and date of birth or Spectrum Health MRN on the vial
3. Record the patient information and medical history, including pertinent clinical history (birthdate and LMP), source (Vag or Ecto/Endo) and if the pap test is a screening or diagnostic test on the Anatomic Pathology Requisition.
4. Place the vial and requisition in a specimen bag for transport to the cytology laboratory.

Federal regulations mandate that the following pertinent information be included on the requisition/order:

• Last Menstrual Period (LMP)
• Source of Specimen
• Patient’s Full Name
• Birthdate
• Clinical History
• Physician’s Name

History of surgery, exogenous hormones, DES exposure, history of carcinoma, radiation, chemotherapy, abnormal vaginal bleeding, previous abnormal paps are necessary for complete cytologic evaluation.