Gynecologic Pap Test, Liquid-based Preparation

Limitations: Failure to obtain adequate ectocervical, endocervical, or vaginal cell population is suboptimal for evaluation. Excessive use of lubricating jelly on the vaginal speculum will interfere with cytologic examination and may lead to unsatisfactory Pap results.

Methodology: ThinPrep® Pap test system; TriPath SurePath® Pap test

Special Instructions: Include date of birth, Social Security number (or other identification number), previous malignancy, drug therapy, radiation therapy, last menstrual period (LMP), postmenopausal patient (PMP), surgery (including surgical biopsies), exogenous hormones, abnormal vaginal bleeding, abnormal Pap results, IUD, and all other pertinent clinical information on the cytology test request form.

Note: In accordance with criteria established by CLIA, Pap tests will be referred for pathologist review if laboratory personnel suspect:

• Reactive or reparative cellular changes
• Atypical squamous or glandular cells of undetermined significance
• Cells in the premalignant or malignant category

In these cases, LabCorp will charge for the associated service. (Slides that are routinely reviewed by a pathologist for quality control purposes are not included.)