Specimen Collection
LIQUID BASED THINPREP™ PAP TEST
Complete patient requisition and be sure to include patient’s name, date of birth, Social Security number, last menstrual period (LMP), postmenopausal patient (PMP), surgical biopsies, abnormal vaginal bleeding, previous malignancy, drug therapy, and all other pertinent clinical information.
Collection: Endocervical Brush/Spatula Protocol
- Obtain an adequate sample from the ectocervix using a plastic spatula.
- Rinse the spatula as quickly as possible in the ThinPrep™ vial by swirling vigorously 10 times, and discard the spatula.
- 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 the brush 1/4 to 1/2 turn in one direction. DO NOT OVER-ROTATE THE BRUSH.
- Rinse the brush as quickly as possible in the ThinPrep™ vial by rotating the device in the solution 10 times while pushing against the wall of the ThinPrep™ vial. Swirl the brush vigorously to further release additional material. Discard the brush.
- Tighten the cap on the ThinPrep™ container so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.
- Record the patient’s name and ID number on the vial, and place it and the requisition form in a specimen bag for courier pickup and transport to the laboratory.
Store specimen at room temperature. Specimens must be processed within 21 days of collection.