Gynecologic Pap Smear, One Slide, Two Slides
Also known as: Cervical/Vaginal Smear, Genital Cytology, Papanicolaou Smear, Vaginal Cytology
Use
Diagnose primary or metastatic neoplasms; diagnose genital infections with herpesvirus, Candida, Trichomonas vaginalis, cytomegalovirus, Actinomyces, cervicovaginal endometriosis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and lymphogranuloma venereum; aid in evaluating hormonal function (maturation index) in vaginal specimens
Special Instructions
Not provided.
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. All powder should be wiped off gloves before spatulas are handled since presence of starch granules will make interpretation of slides difficult. Inflammatory reaction may preclude hormonal evaluation. A very significant proportion of adenocarcinomas of endometrium are not detected by this means. Occasionally, highly differentiated adenocarcinomas of endocervix can be missed. Occasional aggressive lesions of squamous epithelium of cervix can be missed, especially if patient has only a single examination.
Methodology
Pap stained: microscopic examination
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Unknown
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Patient Preparation
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.
Causes for Rejection
Improper labeling; fixation in formalin; air-drying artifact