The optimal time for collection is two weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period. The patient should be instructed not to use vaginal medications, spermicides or douches 48 hrs. prior to collection. The patient should also refrain from intercourse 24 hrs. prior to collection. Do not use lubricant as it obscures cellular detail on pap smears and disrupts ThinPrep Pap Test processing. Only approved water-soluble, carbomer-free lubricants may be used and sparingly for ThinPrep Pap specimens.

All specimen vials must be properly labeled with the first and last name of the patient (no nicknames please), a second unique identifier (either date of birth or MR #), and the source. Unlabeled specimens will be rejected. Mislabeled specimens may be verified by the provider via fax or may be rejected depending upon the discrepancy. If rejected, a report will be issued indicating this.

Specimens must be accompanied by a completed Cytology and Surgical Requisition form or printed paper copy of electronic order.

All supplies may be ordered, at no cost, through Dahl-Chase Purchasing (941-8202)

COLLECTION TECHNIQUE FOR THINPREP PAP TEST

(protocol: endocervical brush/spatula (Cooper Surgical))

1. If desired, use lukewarm water to warm and lubricate the speculum. Apply water-soluble, carbomer-free gel lubricant sparingly to the posterior blade of the speculum if necessary.

2. Obtain an adequate sample from the ectocervix using a plastic spatula. Select the contoured end of the plastic spatula and rotate it 360 degrees around the entire ectocervix, while maintaining tight contact with ectocervical surface. After obtaining specimen, rinse the spatula as quickly as possible into the PreservCyt Solution vial by swirling the spatula vigorously in the vial 10 times. Discard the spatula.

3. Obtain an adequate sample from the endocervix using an endocervical brush device. Insert the brush into the cervix until only the bottom-most fibers are exposed. Slowly rotate 1/4 or 1/2 turn in one direction. DO NOT OVER-ROTATE THE BRUSH.

4. Rinse the brush as soon as possible in the PreservCyt Solution 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.

5. Tighten the cap so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.

6. Record the patient’s name and second identifier on the vial. Record the patient information and medical history on the cytology requisition form or in the electronic order.

7. Place the vial and requisition or printed copy of electronic order in a specimen bag for transport to the laboratory.

(protocol: Wallach papette (Cooper Surgical) aka “broom”)

1. If desired, use lukewarm water to warm and lubricate the speculum. Apply water-soluble, carbomer-free gel lubricant sparingly to the posterior blade of the speculum if necessary.

2. 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.

3. Rinse the broom as quickly as possible into the PreservCyt® Solution vial by pushing the broom.

4. 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.

5. Tighten the cap so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.

6. Record the patient’s name and second identifier on the vial. Record the patient information and medical history on the cytology requisition form or in the electronic order.’

7. Place the vial and requisition or printed paper copy of electronic order in a specimen bag for transport to the laboratory.

TURNAROUND TIME

Pap tests are sent out to a reference lab. The average turnaround time from collection varies depending on the time of receipt in lab, need for clarification of labeling or reason for pap, further review or HPV testing. For routine paps with HPV testing, the average turnaround time is approximately within 9 days of date of collection.

If you need results immediately on a pap, you may order it as a RUSH specimen. Some examples of times when this may be warranted are: If the patient is awaiting a surgical procedure pending the results of this pap or if HPV testing is needed and the pap is nearing the 4 week expiration date.

References:
Hologic ThinPrep Pap collection guide
ThinPrep lubricant compatibility guide
Quick Reference Guide (QRG) for ThinPrep
Video link: https://www.hologic.com/thinprep-pap-test-specimen-collection