Cytopathology, Chlamydia trachomatis

If no specimen has been collected, submit only 1 of the following specimens:

SurePath

Specimen Type: Cervical

Container/Tube: Brush or broom in SurePath preservative vial

Collection Instructions:

1. Obtain cervical specimen prior to bimanual examination.
2. It is best to use an unlubricated speculum (saline or warm water may be used). Lubricant containing carbomers or carbol polymers is not acceptable.

3. Remove excess mucus from cervical os.
Note: Small amounts of blood will not interfere with cytologic evaluation; however, large amounts of blood may obscure cells. Use of liquid-based specimen collection device minimizes interference from these factors.

4. If testing for sexually-transmitted disease is indicated, collect cervical cytology specimen first.

5. After visualization of cervix is accomplished insert cervix brush or broom into endocervical canal to cervical os.

6. While maintaining gentle pressure, rotate brush 5 times in a clockwise direction. Direction must be consistent. Do not alter or vary direction of brush or broom during collection.

7. Remove brush or broom.

8. Transfer entire specimen by disconnecting entire head of brush or broom from stem and deposit in SurePath preservative vial.

9. Label vial with at least 2 sources of patient identification (eg, bar code, patient name, date of birth, or other unique identifier), date of collection, and type and site of specimen.

ThinPrep

Specimen Type: Cervical

Container/Tube: PreservCyt solution vial

Collection Instructions:

1. Obtain cervical specimen prior to bimanual examination.
2. It is best to use an unlubricated speculum (saline or warm water may be used). Lubricant containing carbomers or carbol polymers is not acceptable.
3. Remove excess mucus from cervical os.

Note: Small amounts of blood will not interfere with cytologic evaluation; however, large amounts of blood may obscure cells. Use of liquid-based specimen collection device minimizes interference from these factors.

4. If testing for sexually-transmitted disease is indicated, collect cervical cytology specimen first.

5. After visualization of cervix is accomplished insert spatula to ectocervix.

6. While maintaining gentle pressure, rotate spatula in a clockwise direction.

7. Remove spatula.

8. Rinse spatula in PreservCyt solution vial, swirl spatula vigorously 10 times. Discard spatula.

9. Insert cervix brush into cervix until bottom most fibers are exposed. Slowly rotate brush one half turn in 1 direction. Do not over rotate.

10. Rinse brush in PreservCyt solution vial, rotate brush while pushing against vial wall. Swirl vigorously to dislodge material. Discard brush.

11. Label vial with at least 2 sources of patient identification (eg, bar code, patient name, date of birth, or other unique identifier), date of collection, and type and site of specimen.

Note:

1. Complete a SaraPath Diagnostics requisition, include all relevant clinical information, and submit with specimen.

2. Verify patient name and other unique identifiers on requisition match those on specimen.

3. Specimen may be rejected and returned to originating site if any of the following conditions apply:

a. Patient or specimen identification errors or omissions

b. Incorrect specimen submitted for test requested

c. Damaged or leaking specimen

d. Submitted in expired reagent

4. Call SaraPath Diagnostics for:

a. Technical assistance - Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 941-362-8900

b. Courier service or supplies - Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 941-362-8932 or 941-362-8900

Note:  STAT Specimen - Call for pick-up of STAT specimen and indicate STAT on requisition.