Alberta Precision Laboratories

--- Query Results ---

Organization:

Alberta Precision Laboratories

Message Alert:

PLEASE NOTE: This Test Directory is in an interim state and due to changes pertaining to the DynaLIFE transition, performing site for routing has not been updated. Please refer to Laboratory Information System for appropriate routing.

Test Name/Synonym:

Gynecological Cytology (Synonym: PAP, Pap Test, Pap Smear, Liquid-based Pap, Pap Cytologic Exam)

Clinical Indications:

Cells from the Cervix or Vagina, also known as Pap smears, are collected as a screening test for detection of cellular abnormalities of cervical pre-cancer and cancer.
Testing is not recommended for patients less than 21 years of age unless clinically indicated per TOP Cervical Cancer Screening Clinical Practice Guideline.

Collection Alert:

Lubricants interfere with cell preservation and processing of the specimen.

Specimens received contaminated with lubricant will be rejected.
Specimens received with brush in vial will be rejected.

LABID (Connect Care):

LAB4

Test Code:

CENTRAL ZONE: PAPRO

Specimen Type:

Liquid based Cytology

Specimen Source:

Cervix, Vagina

Primary Container:

Calgary Zone:	ThinPrep^® Pap Collection Kit
Central Zone:	ThinPrep^® Pap Collection Kit or refer to DynaLIFE
Edmonton Zone:	Refer to DynaLIFE
North Zone:	Refer to DynaLIFE
South Zone:	ThinPrep^® Pap Collection Kit

Specimen Collection Requirements:

Patients should refrain from using personal lubricants and douching one week prior to specimen collection.
Pre-lubricated disposable speculums may interfere. Ensure the lubricant does not contact the area to be sampled.
Luke warm water is preferred to warm and lubricate the speculum.
If water-soluble lubricant must be used, lubricant may be applied to the speculum only, avoiding the tip.

Mucous globs should be removed from the cervix prior to sampling. Blot the mucous plug with a cotton tipped applicator at the os.
Collect specimen prior to any acetic acid visualization technique.
Specimen collection should be avoided during heavy menstrual bleeding.

For ThinPrep® collection instructions refer to ThinPrep® Quick Reference Guides*
*Used with the permission from Hologic

Note: Avoid lubricants and DO NOT leave brush in vial.

Collect ectocervical cells using the ectocervical spatula

Place the spatula with the longer ‘wing’ toward the entrance of the cervix
Rotate the spatula 360 degrees so that at the end of the rotation the cells will be on top of the spatula i.e., if the spatula is rotated clockwise, start and finish at the 9 o’clock position; if the spatula is rotated counterclockwise, start at the 3 o’clock position
Rinse the spatula in the ThinPrep® vial swirling vigorously 10 times
Discard spatula

Collect endocervical cells using the endocervical brush

Insert the brush into the cervix until only the bottom-most bristles are visible
Rotate ¼ to ½ turn
Rinse the brush in the ThinPrep® vial swirling vigorously 10 times with a ‘mashing’ action against the inside wall of the vial
If the specimen seems mucoid and appears stuck to the brush, use the spatula to gently scrape the material from the brush and dislodge into the vial
Discard brush

Tighten the cap so the black markings on the cap are past the markings on the vial.

For sites referring specimens to DynaLIFE see https://dynalife.ca/testdirectory or call 1-800-661-9876.

Test Resources:

Requisition:
Gynecological Cytopathology Requisition - 21815
Gynecological Cytopathology Requisition Completion Aid

Toward Optimized Practice Cervical Cancer Screening Clinical Practice Guideline:
https://top.albertadoctors.org/CPGs/Lists/CPGDocumentList/Cervical-Cancer-Screening-CPG.pdf

Processing:

Place collected specimen in a sealed biohazard bag. One specimen per bag. Place requisition in outside pouch.

Method:

Liquid Based Cytology (LBC)

Routine Turn Around Time:

Within 7 working days

Testing Schedule:

Monday to Friday

Testing Area:

Cytopathology

Performing Site:

Calgary Zone: Diagnostic and Scientific Centre (DSC)
DynaLIFE Medical Labs

Additional Test Information:

Reflex HPV Testing can be performed on the same sample following eligibility criteria. For more information on Reflex HPV Testing refer to the HPV testing pamphlet found at Screening for Life.ca

Last Updated On:

Friday, July 9, 2021

Registered Trademark Comments:

ThinPrep^® is a registered trademark of Hologic