Cytopathology: Clinical Services - Submit a gynecologic sample

Exfoliated cells are fragile and degenerate quickly. Therefore, immediate fixation of the material to be studied is essential. A spray fix such as Spray-Cyte is recommended. Glove powder and lubricants may make slides impossible to read. Therefore, slides must be prepared without introducing these contaminants.

Prepare one slide per patient; write the patient's name and unit number on the frosted end of the slide with a lead pencil. Note: specimens submitted without the patient's name written on the frosted end of the slide with pencil will be considered unlabeled and be rejected.

1. Conventional Cytology Smear (glass slide):

   Obtain the specimen with a brush (preferred), broom or spatula, lightly scraping the entire endocervix (360° degree sweep). Specimen collection with cotton swab is strongly discouraged, as the cellular material adheres to the fibers and increased drying artifact may be introduced, thus producing a less than optimal sample. Spread the obtained material evenly and smoothly on the glass slide. Spray the slide immediately after preparation with spray fix.

2. ThinPrep Pap Test (liquid-based preparation)
   

   A)  Obtain the ectocervix specimen utilizing the plastic spatula provided.  Rotate the device 360 degrees around the entire ectocervix, gently maintaining tight contact with the ectocervical surface.  Immediately rinse the device into the PreservCyt Solution vial by swirling vigorously about 10 times.  Discard the spatula.

   B)  Obtain an adequate sampling of the endocervix using the provided endocervical brush device.  Insert the device into the cervical os until only the bottom-most fibers are exposed.  Slowly rotate 1/4 to 1/2 turn in one direction.  DO NOT OVER-ROTATE.  Immediately rinse the device into the PreservCyt Solution vial by swirling vigorously and pressing the brush against the vial wall.  Discard the brush.

Give name, date of birth, date of last menstruation and brief clinical history on the laboratory. The date of collection must be noted on the requisition. Specimens received without adequate history may be rejected as unsatisfactory or considered less than optimal for evaluation. Please include a valid Physician Index Number and ICD-9 Diagnosis code.