Cytology, Pap Test, ThinPrep (Including HPV, CT/NG)

Synonyms

  • Chlamydia, ThinPrep Pap
  • CT, ThinPrep Pap
  • CTNG, ThinPrep Pap
  • Gonorrhea, ThinPrep Pap
  • HPV, ThinPrep Pap
  • NG, ThinPrep Pap
  • ThinPrep Pap

EPIC Order Number

LAB4 – Clinic ThinPrep Pap w/Reflex OR Clinic Screen ThinPrep Med w/Reflex (have patient sign ABN Form)

LAB123575– HPV add-on (after Pap sign-out), add-on HPV test must be accompanied by a faxed copy of the request (fax: 715-847-0065)

Collect

SPATULA

  • Obtain an adequate sample from the ectocervix using a plastic spatula. If desired, use lukewarm water to warm and lubricate the speculum. Apply PAP Test Lubricating Jelly by Asceptic Control Products or Surgilube Surgical Lubricant by HR Pharmaceuticals sparingly to the posterior blade of the speculum if necessary. Select the contoured end of the plastic spatula and rotate it 360 degrees around the entire ectocervix, while maintaining tight contact with ectocervical surface.
  • Rinse the spatula as quickly as possible into the PreservCyt Solution (ThinPrep) vial by swirling the spatula vigorously in the vial 10 times. Discard the spatula.
  • Tighten the cap so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.
  • Label ThinPrep vial with two patient identifiers (patient name, DOB, and/or MRN), collection date/time, and specimen site/source.
  • ThinPrep vial must be accompanied by a printed EPIC Order (or completed Cytology Request for non-EPIC clinics) including two patient identifiers (patient name, DOB, and/or MRN), collection date/time, pertinent patient history, performing physician, and specimen site/source.

BRUSH

  • 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 THE BRUSH.
  • Rinse the brush as soon as possible in the PreservCyt Solution (ThinPrep) vial by rotating the device in the solution 10 times while pushing it against the PreservCyt vial wall. Swirl the brush vigorously to further release material. Discard the brush.
  • Tighten the cap so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.
  • Label ThinPrep vial with two patient identifiers (patient name, DOB, and/or MRN), collection date/time, and specimen site/source.
  • ThinPrep vial must be accompanied by a printed EPIC Order (or completed Cytology Request for non-EPIC clinics) including two patient identifiers (patient name, DOB, and/or MRN), collection date/time, pertinent patient history, performing physician, and specimen site/source.

PAPETTE/BROOM DEVICE

  • Obtain an adequate sampling from the cervix using a broom-like device. If desired, use lukewarm water to warm and lubricate the speculum. Apply PAP Test Lubricating Jelly by Asceptic Control Products and Surgilube Lubricant by HR Pharmaceuticals sparingly to the posterior blade of the speculum if necessary. 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 for five complete, 360 degree turns.
  • Rinse the broom as quickly as possible into the PreservCyt Solution (ThinPrep) vial by pushing the broom into the bottom of the vial 10 times, forcing the bristles apart. Swirl the broom vigorously to further release material. Do not leave the head of the broom in the vial. Discard the collection device.
  • Tighten the cap so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.
  • Label ThinPrep vial with two patient identifiers (patient name, DOB, and/or MRN), collection date/time, and specimen site/source.
  • ThinPrep must be accompanied by a printed EPIC Order (or completed Cytology Request for non-EPIC clinics) including two patient identifiers (patient name, DOB, and/or MRN), collection date/time, pertinent patient history, performing physician, and specimen site/source.

GONORRHEA, CHLAMYDIA AND/OR HPV ORDERS:

  • Request test(s) on printed EPIC Order or the completed  Cytology Request. The PreservCyt Solution (ThinPrep) vial will be processed as a Pap first, then additional test(s) will follow.
  • NO additional swab is needed.
  • NO additional order in EPIC is needed.

Interference

Lubricants may interfere with the processing and interpretation of the specimen:

  • PATIENTS should NOT use any vaginal medication, personal lubricants, vaginal contraceptives, or douches for 48 hours prior to the Pap.
  • PROVIDERS should use warm water to lubricate and warm the speculum, but if lubricant must be utilized, use sparingly on the outer portion of the speculum with avoidance of the tip. The following brands are acceptable to use: PAP Test Lubricating Jelly by Asceptic Control Products and Surgilube Surgical Lubricant by HR Pharmaceuticals.

Blood may interfere with the processing and interpretation of the specimen:

  • Patients should not schedule appointment on menstruation day.  The Pap Test should be done two weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period to avoid an unsatisfactory result.

Patients should refrain from sexual intercourse for 48 hours before appointment.

NOTE: PreserveCyt Solution (ThinPrep) vials can be ordered here through Associates in Pathology. Any expired vials should be returned for replacement.

Storage/Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Performed

  • ThinPrep Pap: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Gonorrhea/Chlamdyia: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • HPV: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Reported/Turnaround Time

  • Pap results sent within 7 working days after specimen is received.
  • HPV and/or Gonorrhea/Chlamydia results sent within 4 working days after specimen is received.

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

See Gynecologic Cytology Report

Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines for Average – Risk Women
https://www.asccp.org/screening-guidelines

ASCCP Algorithms
https://www.asccp.org/mobile-app (Click on the "Web Application" icon to enter email address.  After confirmation email is received, access to guidelines will be granted).

88175 - ThinPrep for Imaging-Directed Cytology

88142 - ThinPrep for Manual Screening

88141 - Pathologist Interpretation

87624 - HPV High Risk

87591 - Gonorrhea

87491 - Chlamydia