Gynecologic Pap Test (Image-guided), Liquid-based Preparation and Chlamydia/Gonococcus/Trichomonas, NAA and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (Aptima®)

ThinPrep® Vial − Broom or Brush/Spatula

Broom-like collection technique: Obtain a sample from the cervix using a broom-like device by inserting the brush portion into the cervical os and then rotate the brush five times. Rinse the collection device in the PreservCyt® solution by pushing the brush into the bottom of the vial 10 times, forcing the bristles to bend apart to release the cervical material. As a final step, twirl the brush between the thumb and forefinger vigorously to release additional cellular material. Discard the collection device. Tighten the cap on the ThinPrep® vial so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.

Brush/spatula technique: Insert the brush into the endocervical canal until only the bottommost fibers are exposed. Slowly rotate the brush ¼ to ½ turn in one direction. Do not over-rotate the brush. Then, rotate the brush in the PreservCyt® solution 10 times while pushing against the wall of the ThinPrep® vial. Swirl the brush vigorously to release additional material. Discard the brush. Obtain an adequate sample from the ectocervix using a plastic spatula. Swirl vigorously in the ThinPrep® vial 10 times and discard the spatula. Tighten the cap on the ThinPrep® container so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.

Optional Dedicated Specimen for Chlamydia, Gonococcus, and Trichomonas: Use the Gen-Probe® Aptima® swab collection kit. Clean the cervix using the larger, white-shafted swab supplied in the Gen-Probe® Aptima® swab collection kit and discard. Insert the smaller, blue-shafted swab into the cervix and rotate for 10 to 30 seconds to ensure good sampling. Carefully withdraw the blue-shafted swab, avoiding contact with the vaginal mucosa. Remove the cap from the swab specimen transport tube and immediately place the specimen collection swab into the transport tube. Break the swab shaft at the scoreline, using care to avoid splashing contents. Recap the swab specimen transport tube tightly.

Maintain liquid-based cytology and Aptima® swab transport specimens at room temperature. Pap processing must be done within 21 days of collection. Specimens in ThinPrep® vials must be processed for testing within 21 days of collection for HPV. Liquid-based cytology specimens must be tested within seven days for Chlamydia/Gonococcus/Trichomonas; if the Aptima® swab transport is used, it must be tested within 60 days.

Improper collection; inadequate specimen; improper labeling; specimen leaked in transit; quantity not sufficient for analysis; name discrepancies; specimen submitted on male patient; specimen submitted in a vial that expired according to the manufacturer's label; frozen specimen; SurePath™ vial. For Pap: liquid-based cytology specimen more than 21 days old. For HPV: specimen more than 21 days old in ThinPrep® vial. For Chlamydia, Gonococcus, and Trichomonas vaginalis: liquid-based cytology specimen more than seven days old; Aptima® specimen more than 60 days old; Gen-Probe® Aptima® collection tube with multiple swabs, white-shafted cleaning swab, or any swab other than the blue-shafted collection swab.