Synonyms
- Cervical Smear
- Cytology, Pap Smear, Conventional
- Pap Smear
- Vaginal Smear
EPIC Order Number
LAB4 – Clinic ThinPrep Pap w/Reflex OR Clinic Screen ThinPrep Med w/Reflex (have patient sign ABN Form)
Collect
Label slide with two patient identifiers (patient name, DOB, and/or MRN), collection date/time, and specimen site/source.
Speculum should be warmed and rinsed in saline solution; no lubricant should be used. Obtain an adequate sampling from the cervix using the Brush/Spatula method below:
BRUSH
- Insert a saline-moistened endocervical brush into the cervical os.
- Slowly rotate the brush in a clockwise direction ¼-½ turn.
- NOTE: Over-rotating the brush may cause excessive bleeding leading to an unsatisfactory Pap test.
- Roll brush onto other half of slide and immediately spray with fixative. Allow slide fixative to dry. Then place slide in container for transport.
- NOTE: Poorly fixed or air-dried material seriously impairs accurate diagnosis.
SPATULA
- Using a plastic spatula, insert the small end of the spatula into the ectocervix.
- Rotate the spatula one full turn in a clockwise direction.
- Smear specimen onto one half of slide.
Slide 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.
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 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 an appointment on a menstruation day. The Pap Test should be done two weeks after the first day of the last menstrual cycle to avoid an unsatisfactory result.
Patients should refrain from sexual intercourse 48 hours before appointment.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Performed
Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Reported/Turnaround Time
Pap results are sent within 7 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
88164 - Cytology Screening
88141 - Pathologist Interpretation