Specimen Requirements

Days Performed

Mon - Fri

Turnaround Time

3 - 5 days

Methodology

Reference Range

Special Info

Label, using a #2 pencil, the frosted end of glass slide with the patient's name, unique identifier and source before sample collection. An optimal sample contains both a cervical scrape and an endocervical brush sample. Obtain the ectocervical sample by scraping circumferentially with a spatula. Hold the spatula between the fingers of the nonsampling hand (or rest it on the glass slide) with the specimen face-up while the endocervical brush material is collected by rotating the brush in the cervical os without delay. Spread the material collected on the spatula evenly over the glass slide with a single, smooth stroking motion. Roll the brush across the glass slide by twirling the handle. Immediately fix slide using Cytology spray fixative or placing into liquid Cytology fixative for transport. REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: Specimen must be accompanied by Cytology requisition giving patient's name, age, clinic number, last menstrual period, attending physician, clinical diagnosis including patient's pertinent medications, time, date and source of specimen submitted. Indicate if it is a screening pap, high risk screening pap or diagnostic pap smear (I.C.D - 9 code required).

Clinical Info

Evaluation for atypical cells suspicious or diagnostic of malignancy