Specimen Requirements

Collect specimen using PreservCyt®ThinPrep®Vial including Wallach Papette®(broom-like device) as follows:

Patient Preparation:

• Optimal time for collection of Pap smear is 2 weeks after first day of last menstrual period.
• Patient should be instructed not to use vaginal medications, spermicides, or douches 48 hours prior to collection of smear.
• Patient should also refrain from intercourse 24 hours prior to collection of smear.

Preparation of the Cervix:

• Warm water may be used to lubricate device.
• Lubricant jelly should be avoided as it often obscures cellular material making cytologic evaluation difficult.
• Excess blood, mucus, or inflammatory material should be removed with a cotton swab prior to taking sample.

Materials and Reagents:

• The Wallach Papette® (broom-like device) used to collect specimen.
• ThinPrep® Preservative Fluid Collection vial.

Storage Requirements:

• Storage condition for ThinPrep® Preservative Fluid without cytologic specimens is up to 36 months from date of manufacture at ambient temperature (15-30° C.)
• Storage requirements for ThinPrep® Preservative Fluid with cytologic specimens is 6 weeks at ambient temperature (15-30° C.)

Specimen Collection:

• Contact cervix with the Wallach Papette®(broom-like device) and insert central bristles into cervical canal deep enough to allow shorter bristles to fully contact ectocervix.
• While maintaining gentle pressure in direction of cervix, rotate brush 5 times in a clockwise direction.
• Rinse the broom in PreservCyt® as soon as possible by pushing broom to bottom of the vial 10 times forcing bristles to separate and swirling the broom vigorously to further remove material.
• Discard the collection device. Place cap on vial, making sure cap is tightened to avoid leakage.

Label transport tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Send specimen ambient or refrigerated at 2° C to 8° C.