Gynecologic Pap Smear, One Slide and Maturation Index
Use
The Gynecologic Pap Smear test is utilized to diagnose primary or metastatic neoplasms and genital infections such as with herpesvirus, Candida, Trichomonas vaginalis, cytomegalovirus, and Actinomyces. It is instrumental in aiding diagnoses associated with vaginal adenosis, cervicovaginal endometriosis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and lymphogranuloma venereum. Additionally, it is utilized to evaluate hormonal function by assessing the maturation index and the cellular composition of the vaginal squamous epithelium surface layers, which reflects the hormonal balance between estrogen and progesterone. It also aids in diagnosing conditions that affect cytohormonal balance such as pituitary or ovarian dysfunction and tumors.
Special Instructions
Include the patient's name, date of birth, Social Security number, history of malignancies, drug or radiation therapies, last menstrual period, menopausal status, surgeries, use of hormones, and any abnormal vaginal or Pap test findings on the request form. Pap tests undergoing laboratory personnel review due to cellular anomalies will be referred for a pathologist’s oversight, potentially incurring additional charges.
Limitations
This Pap Smear test may be deemed suboptimal if there is failure to obtain adequate ectocervical, endocervical, or vaginal cell populations. The use of excessive lubricants and the presence of starch granules from gloves can interfere with cytologic examination, impacting the quality of results. Adenocarcinomas of the endometrium and certain lesions of squamous epithelium may be missed on occasion, especially in the event of a single inadequate specimen collection.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cervical Swab
Volume
one slide
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Cardboard or plastic slide holder(s), Coplin jar(s)
Collection Instructions
Submit one slide with cells from lateral vaginal wall. Fix slides immediately in 95% ethyl alcohol or with spray fixative.
Patient Preparation
Patient should avoid douches 48 to 72 hours prior to examination. Specimen should not be collected during or shortly after menstrual period.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature. Slides may be stored indefinitely when spray fixed.
Causes for Rejection
Improper labeling; failure to obtain lateral vaginal wall specimen; fixation in formalin; air-drying artifact