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Test Code Cyto GYN Cytology, GYN

Aliases

Pap Smear, Papanicolaou Smear

Useful For

Cytologic diagnosis of Pap Smears. Pap Smears are a screening test for Cervical Cancer. HPV testing may be done from the Thin Prep Vial, ordered as co-testing or performed as reflex.

Patient Preparation

Collection during active menstruation may result in suboptimal samples. Patient should avoid using personal lubricant and/or douching 24 hours prior to examination.

Special Collection Instructions

Avoid or use minimal lubricant during collection. If needed, use only carbomer-free lubricant sparingly.

Collection Method

Thin Prep pap smears are collected with either the spatula/brush combo or the broom-like collection devices per manufacturer’s instructions.

Minimum Volume

1 Thin Prep vial or 2 vials for double cervix patient (label vials as left and right)

Container


Hologic ThinPrep Container

Preferred Specimen

Thin Prep Pap Smear

Acceptable Specimens

If Thin Prep unavailable, may submit one conventional smear (spray fixed)

Reference or Target Ranges

Interpretive report with results

Reportable Units

N/A

Critical Value

“Positive for Malignancy” diagnosis will prompt physician notification and cancer tracking. Other unusual/unexpected diagnoses may also trigger additional physician notification.

Reasons for Rejection



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Hemolysis Threshold
 N/A
Icterus Threshold
 N/A
Lipemia Threshold
 N/A
Other
 Specimen has leaked out of vial or has been contaminated. Mislabeled or unlabeled vial or slide.

Specimen Stability



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Ambient
 30 days
Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C)
 N/A
Frozen(-40°C to 0°C)
 N/A

Performance Information



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Days and Time Performed
 Monday – Friday 8AM – 4PM.
Specimens received after 4PM may be processed the next business day.
Expected Turn Around Time
 <10 days
Stat Availabilty
 Call Cytology Lab at 573-882-5992 or 573-882-1232 to request STAT
Performing Bench
 UH Cytology
Methodology/Method Description
 Gynecologic Cytology with Papanicolaou Stain

Special Handling

HPV testing may be aliquoted from Thin Prep vial up to 30 days after collection.

Additional Information/Important Notes

Deliver specimen, after placing electronic order, to UH Processing or WCH Processing 24/7. When electronic ordering is unavailable, a paper Cytology requisition must accompany the specimen.

CPT Codes

88164
Reflex testing will cause additional CPT codes to be used

Reflex Testing

HPV testing will be reflexed when a diagnosis of ASCUS (Atypical Cells of Undetermined Significance) is reported on Thin Prep Pap Smears ordered without co-testing.