Conventional Pap Test

Direct smear of exfoliated cells from the cervix or vagina, alcohol or spray fixed at collection.

Collection instructions:
1. Insert an unlubricated speculum. Tap water or a small amount of normal saline may be used to moisten the speculum.
2. Using a cotton swab, gently remove any visible exudates from the surface of the cervix. Please do not use any acetic acid-based solution.
3. Using a cytobrush and/or Ayres spatula, obtain a representative sample from the vaginal vault, cervix and endocervix.
4. The sample should be placed on the labeled slide and spread smoothly and evenly down the length of the slide.
5. Fix each slide immediately to avoid air-drying the specimen. Note: when using a spray fixative, hold thebottle approximately 8” to 10” from the sample to avoid blowing the cells off the slide and to avoid air-drying artifact.
6. Using a no.2 pencil, write the patient’s name and date of birth on the frosted end of the slide. Label the outside of the Pap slide holder with two patient identifiers, one of which can be the requisition label. For best results, specimens should be taken at mid-cycle (between day 12 and 18), although this is not essential. Specimens should never be taken during active menstruation.

The conventional Pap test is a screening test used in the detection of cervical cancer, pre-cancerous lesions, infection and other cytologic categories as outlined by the Bethesda system for reporting cervical cytology.

2 patient identifiers

15°C - 30°C

Inadequate fixative causing excessive air-drying may preclude diagnosis; Improper or inadequate patient identification.

Slide: 5 years

Ineligible for molecular tests