Conventional Pap Test

The Pap test is a valuable screening test for cervical cancer and its precursors. As with any laboratory test, both false negative and false positive results may occur. Positive results should be confirmed with additional studies as clinically indicated.

 

Use of Test

Evaluation of cervical-vaginal specimen for premalignant, malignant and inflammatory changes. Includes cells from the cervix, endocervix, ectocervix, vagina and vulva.

Collection Technique

Container identification may be affixed with a label or hand-printed and must include: patient’s full legal name, date of birth (DOB), date of service (DOS), collection date, and specimen source.

Speculum should be warmed and rinsed in saline solution; no lubricant should be used. Obtain an adequate sampling from the cervix using one of the methods below:

SPATULA

    • Using a plastic spatula, insert the small end of the spatula into the ectocervix
    • Rotate the spatula one full turn in a clockwise direction
    • Smear specimen onto one half of slide

BRUSH

    • Insert a saline-moistened endocervical brush into the os.
    • Slowly rotate the brush in a clockwise direction ¼-½ turn. NOTE that over-rotating the brush may cause excessive bleeding leading to an unsatisfactory Pap test.
    • Roll brush onto other half of slide and immediately spray with fixative or immerse in 95% ethanol.
    • Allow slide to fix in 95% ethanol for at least 15 minutes before allowing to air dry, then place slide in container for transport. NOTE that poorly fixed or air-dried material seriously impairs accurate diagnosis.

WSLH cytology requisition form #141 must include:

  • Patient’s full legal name
  • Full address, especially if patient has third-party insurance (commercial or government)
  • Clinic medical record number, if available
  • Date of birth
  • Date of collection
  • Specimen source
  • Clinician’s name, clinic name and address, phone and fax number
  • Date of last menstrual period (LMP)
  • Pertinent clinical history
  • Result of previous Pap test
  • Payment information

Diagnostic Range

  • Negative for Intraepithelial Lesions or Malignancy (NILM)
  • Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASC-US)
  • Atypical Squamous Cells cannot rule out High-grade Lesion (ASC-H)
  • Atypical Glandular Cells of Undetermined Significance (AGC)
  • Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (LSIL)
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Mild Dysplasia (MLD)
  • Mild Dysplasia with Human Papilloma Virus (MLH)
  • High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL)
  • Moderate Dysplasia (MOD)
  • Severe Dysplasia (SEV)
  • Carcinoma in situ (CIS)
  • Endocervical Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS)
  • Positive for Squamous Carcinoma (SQCA)
  • Positive for Endocervical Adenocarcinoma (AEC)
  • Positive for Endometrial Adenocarcinoma (AEM)

Limitations

  • Do not collect specimen during menses
  • Specimens that do not meet basic requirements of cell volumes or that are not well-preserved/or visualized may be non-diagnostic and rendered unsatisfactory
  • Abnormal findings must be correlated with history and other test results
  • The Pap test is a valuable screening test for uterine cancer and its precursors. As with any laboratory test, both false negative and false positive results may occur. Positive results should be confirmed with additional studies as clinically indicated.

Availability

Monday-Friday

Turnaround Time

7 days

PLEASE NOTE: Results may be delayed or the sample rejected if pertinent and/or required information needs clarification or is missing.

 

Test Codes

90000    CP

Specimen Submission Requirements

Conventional Pap Kit #16 and Mailers.

  • 1 frosted-end glass slide in a cardboard holder
  • Cytobrush
  • Spatula
  • Fixation
  • Styrofoam mailers
  • Mailing labels

This kit is intended for collection and shipment of cervico-vaginal (gynecologic) specimens for analysis of pre-malignant or malignant disease. This kit is NOT SUITABLE for collection of specimens for chlamydia or other infections diseases.

PLEASE NOTE: Glass slide does not need to be removed from cardboard holder.

  • Insert glass slide in cardboard slide holder (if it was initially removed)
  • Cardboard holder needs patient’s full name, DOB and DOS
  • Place the cardboard holder into the styrofoam mailing box
  • Label the styrofoam mailer with the following:
    • Your laboratory/clinic’s address
    • WSLH Cytology Department
    • 465 Henry Mall, Rm. 135
    • Madison, WI 53706
  • Diagnostic specimen label

PLEASE NOTE: The specimen does NOT need to be refrigerated or packed with ice. The styrofoam mailer does NOT need to be placed in a biohazard bag.