Specimen Requirements

Include date of birth, medical record number (or other identification number), previous malignancy, drug therapy, radiation therapy, last menstrual period (LMP), postmenopausal patient (PMP), surgery (including surgical biopsies), exogenous hormones, abnormal vaginal bleeding, abnormal Pap results, IUD, and all other pertinent clinical information on the cytology request form.

Sample Collection Using BD SurePath Vial and Cervical Sampling Device with Detachable Head:

1. Obtain a sample from the cervix according to the standard collection procedure provided by BD SurePath.

2. Using the thumb and forefinger of gloved hand, disconnect the head of the device from the handle, insert the head in the collection vial.  Discard the handle of the sampling device.  Do not touch the head of the device.

3. Cap the vial tightly.

4. Send the specimen containing the head of the sampling device, with appropriate paperwork, to the laboratory for processing.

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.