Specimen Requirements

Broom Collection Device Instructions

1. Obtain adequate specimen by inserting the bristles of the broom into the cervical canal until the lateral bristles bend fully against the ectocervix. Maintain gentle pressure and rotate broom 3 to 5 times.

2. Transfer specimen to the glass slide with a paint stroke action, applying 1 side of the bristles first, then turning the broom over and painting the slide again in exactly the same area.

3. Immediately spray the slide with cytology fixative.

4. Write patient’s name (first and last), specimen source, and date and time of collection.

5. Place specimen in plastic transfer box.

6. Send specimen ambient.

Note: 1. For optimal interpretation, pap specimens should be collected near the middle of the menstrual cycle.

2. No douching or sexual intercourse for 24 hours prior to specimen collection.

3. Do not use lubrication jelly on the vaginal speculum. Tap water may be used as a lubricant when needed.

4. Mucus should be swabbed away prior to specimen collection.

5. The following information is required for processing:

A. Patient age or date of birth

B. Source (cervical, endocervical, or vaginal)

C. Name of ordering physician

D. Any pertinent clinical information

Endocervical Brush/Spatula Collection Device

1. Obtain adequate specimen of ectocervix using a plastic spatula and of the endocervix using the cytobrush.

2. Rotate spatula over the squamo-columnar junction of the transformation zone 2 or more times.

3. Obtain specimen from endocervix using endocervical brush.

4. Insert brush in the cervix until only the bottomost fibers are exposed.

5. Slowly rotate 1/2 turn in 1 direction. Do not over-rotate.

6. Smear spatula-obtained specimen onto entire surface of glass slide.

7. Discard spatula.

8. Roll the brush slowly down the length of the slide while simultaneously twisting up and down over the previously applied spatula specimen.

9. Discard brush and immediately spray the slide with cytology fixative.

10. Write patient’s name (first and last), specimen source, and date and time of collection.

11. Place specimen in plastic transfer box.

12. Send specimen ambient.

Note: 1. For optimal interpretation, pap specimens should be collected near the middle of the menstrual cycle.

2. No douching or sexual intercourse for 24 hours prior to specimen collection.

3. Do not use lubrication jelly on the vaginal speculum. Tap water may be used as a lubricant when needed.

4. Mucus should be swabbed away prior to specimen collection.

5. The following information is required for processing:

A. Patient age or date of birth

B. Source (cervical, endocervical, or vaginal)

C. Name of ordering physician

D. Any pertinent clinical information