Gynecologic Pap Test (Image-guided), Liquid-based Preparation

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.

Hutchinson ML, Cassin CM, Ball HG 3rd. The efficacy of an automated preparation device for cervical cytology. Am J Clin Pathol. 1991 Sep; 96(3):300-305. PubMed 1877527

Hutchinson ML, Isenstein LM, Goodman A, et al. Homogeneous sampling accounts for the increased diagnostic accuracy using the ThinPrep® processor. Am J Clin Pathol. 1994 Feb; 101(2):215-219. PubMed 8116578

Joseph MG, Cragg F, Wright VC, et al. Cytohistological correlates in a colposcopic clinic: A 1-year prospective study. Diagn Cytopathol. 1991; 7(5):477-481. PubMed 1954825

Wilbur DC, Cibas ES, Merritt S, James LP, Berger BM, Bonfiglio TA. ThinPrep® Processor: Clinical trials demonstrate an increased detection rate of abnormal cervical cytologic specimens. Am J Clin Pathol. 1994 Feb; 101(2):209-214. PubMed 8116577

Patient should avoid douches 48 to 72 hours prior to examination. Specimen should not be collected during or shortly after menstrual period. Excessive use of lubricating jelly will interfere with cytologic examination.