Useful For
The Pap smear is a screening test designed to aid in the detection of premalignant and malignant conditions of the uterine cervix. It is not a diagnostic procedure and should not be used as the sole means of detecting cervical cancer. Both false-positive and false-negative results do occur. Pap smears analyzed at Glens Falls Hospital Laboratory utilize Hologic ThinPrep® preparation and Hologic Imaging System guided technology, unless otherwise specified. The Bethesda System is used to report cervical cytology results.
Tests that can be ordered on a ThinPrep pap smear to be run, in addition to the pap smear, include:
- HPV
- CT/NG
- Trichomonas vaginalis
Method Name
Cytology
Aliases
PAP Smear, Gynecologic Smear, Endocervical Smear, Vaginal Smear, ThinPrep, Cytology - PAP Smear, Anal Pap, Rectal Pap, HPV, Anal Fluid
Specimen Type
For gynecological pap:
- Gynecological smear. Vaginal, Cervico-vaginal or Cervical, Endocervical specimens collected via Brush/broom/spatula for ThinPrep specimen preparation.
Specimen Required
Collect specimen as per the Hologic directions in the link below.
- NOTE:
- Use only Hologic approved lubricant during the collection procedure.
- Please do not leave specimen collection devices in Pap vials. The device will cause the machine that process the specimen to error.
Hologic Pap collection directions
Quick Reference Guide- Endocervical Brush/Spatula Protocol
- Ensure the container is labeled with the patients name, date of birth and the date the specimen was obtained.
The following tests can be ordered on a ThinPrep Pap smear vial:
- Pap reflex to HPV (if ASC/AGC)
- HPV testing will only be performed (automatically without an additional order) on this specimen if the Pap result is ASC or AGC (Atypical Squamous or Atypical Glandular Cells)
- Pap with HPV
- Both a Pap and an HPV test will be performed on this specimen regardless of the Pap result
- HPV only
- Only HPV testing will be performed in this instance. Cytologic evaluation of the cells will NOT be performed
Specimen Stability Information
Specimens should be preserved in ThinPrep preservative and transported at room temperature.
- See ThinPrep vial for any additional information
Rejected Due To
- Improper labeling
- Collected in any container fixative other than a ThinPrep vial
Special Instructions
Performing Laboratory
Glens Falls Hospital laboratory, Cytology department.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Cytology testing is performed Monday through Friday between 8 am and 4 pm.
Analytical Time
Expected turnaround time= 7 to 14 days
Specimen Retention Time
- 30 days
Reflex Tests
Pap reflex to HPV (if ASC/AGC)
- HPV testing will only be performed (automatically without an additional order) on this specimen if the Pap result is ASC or AGC (Atypical Squamous or Atypical Glandular Cells)
CPT Code Information
- 88175= Pap w/HPV
- 87591= CT/NG
- 87491= Trich
Analytical Time
Expected turnaround time= 7 to 14 days