Unacceptable specimens include the following:

• Unlabeled specimens and incorrectly labeled specimens will be rejected unless approved by the pathologist because the specimen cannot be recollected.  The vials and slides must be labeled in the patient’s full name, DOB or MR#, and source.  Any rejected specimens will generate a report to the clinician indicating the reason for the rejection.
• SurePath vials which have leaked into the bag and insufficient fluid is left in the vial for processing OR slides that have broken into many pieces and cannot be glued together will be rejected. In these cases, the office will be notified that the pap will need to be re-done.
• SurePath vials which do not have the broom (Rover’s cervex-brush) or both the cytobrush and plastic spatula in the vial will be rejected.
• Incorrect media or expired media (not received within 4 weeks or past the expiration date on the vial).
• SurePath pap specimens are submitted at room temperature.  Any extreme temperature changes would be unacceptable such as freezing or boiling.
• Specimens from unauthorized sources (without appropriate credentials according to state and local requirements) will not be accepted and specimens which lack information required for testing such as source and provider will be resolved by fax-back prior to processing.