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HelpTest Code Cyto GYN Cytology, GYN
Aliases
Pap Smear, Papanicolaou Smear
Useful For
Cytologic diagnosis of Pap Smears. Pap Smears are a screening test for Cervical Cancer. HPV testing may be done from the Thin Prep Vial, ordered as co-testing or performed as reflex.
Patient Preparation
Collection during active menstruation may result in suboptimal samples. Patient should avoid using personal lubricant and/or douching 24 hours prior to examination.
Special Collection Instructions
Avoid or use minimal lubricant during collection. If needed, use only carbomer-free lubricant sparingly.
Collection Method
Thin Prep pap smears are collected with either the spatula/brush combo or the broom-like collection devices per manufacturer’s instructions.
Minimum Volume
1 Thin Prep vial or 2 vials for double cervix patient (label vials as left and right)Container
Hologic ThinPrep Container
Preferred Specimen
Thin Prep Pap Smear
Acceptable Specimens
If Thin Prep unavailable, may submit one conventional smear (spray fixed)
Reference or Target Ranges
Interpretive report with results
Reportable Units
N/A
Critical Value
“Positive for Malignancy” diagnosis will prompt physician notification and cancer tracking. Other unusual/unexpected diagnoses may also trigger additional physician notification.
Reasons for Rejection
| Hemolysis Threshold |
N/A |
| Icterus Threshold |
N/A |
| Lipemia Threshold |
N/A |
| Other |
Specimen has leaked out of vial or has been contaminated. Mislabeled or unlabeled vial or slide. |
Specimen Stability
| Ambient |
30 days |
| Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) |
N/A |
| Frozen(-40°C to 0°C) |
N/A |
Special Handling
HPV testing may be aliquoted from Thin Prep vial up to 30 days after collection.
Performance Information
| Days and Time Performed |
Monday – Friday 8AM – 4PM. Specimens received after 4PM may be processed the next business day. |
| Expected Turn Around Time |
<10 days |
| Stat Availabilty |
Call Cytology Lab at 573-882-5992 or 573-882-1232 to request STAT |
| Performing Bench |
UH Cytology |
| Methodology/Method Description |
Gynecologic Cytology with Papanicolaou Stain |
Reflex Testing
HPV testing will be reflexed when a diagnosis of ASCUS (Atypical Cells of Undetermined Significance) is reported on Thin Prep Pap Smears ordered without co-testing.
Additional Information/Important Notes
Deliver specimen, after placing electronic order, to UH Processing or WCH Processing 24/7. When electronic ordering is unavailable, a paper Cytology requisition must accompany the specimen.
CPT Codes
88164
Reflex testing will cause additional CPT
codes to be used