Results are generally available within 6 business days.

Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. 

Specimen: Liquid based gynecologic sample. Cytology, ThinPrep Collection Method.

Container: ThinPrep collection vial.

Patient preparation: Patient should avoid vaginal medication, personal lubricants, or douching 48 hours prior to examination. If concurrent biopsy is performed, obtain Pap smear prior to cervical biopsies or polypectomies. Smear obtained midcycle is preferable.

Collection: If lubricant is required, a carbormer-free lubricant must be used, Sample collection for ThinPrep Pap test may be performed with a broom-like collection device OR a spatula/brush combo.  To collect the sample, begin by visualizing the uterine cervix.

For broom-like collection devices: 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. Rinse the broom as quickly as possible into the ThinPrep collection vial by pushing the broom into the bottom of the vial 10 times, forcing the bristles apart, Swirl the broom vigorously to further release material. Remove and discard the collection device from the vial. NO collection devices should be left in the vial.

For endocervical brush/spatula collection devices: Obtain a sample from the ectocervix using the plastic spatula. Select the contoured end of the plastic spatula and rotate it 360 degrees around the entire ectocervix, while maintaining tight contact with the ectocervical surface. Rinse the spatula as quickly as possible into the ThinPrep vial by swirling the spatula vigorously in the vial 10 times. Remove and discard the collection device from the vial. 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 1/4 or 1/2 turn in one direction. DO NOT OVER-ROTATE THE BRUSH. Rinse the brush as soon as possible in the ThinPrep vial 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. NO collection devices should be left in the vial.

Handling Instructions: Samples collected into ThinPrep vials may be stored for up to 6 weeks unrefrigerated.

Special Instructions: Include pertinent clinical history (i.e. age, LMP, PMP, surgery, exogenous hormones, history of carcinoma, radiation, chemotherapy, abnormal vaginal bleeding and previous abnormal pap smears). Must include age, LMP, and date of sample collection with the test order request. Distinguish diagnostic from screening pap and include ICD-9 coding.

Request Form: Gynecologic Cytology Requisition. (Opens in a new window)

Cervical Cytology
Cervical/Vaginal Smear
Liquid Based Gyn Cytology
Pap Smear
ThinPrep Gyn Cytology