Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation: For optimal interpretation, Papanicolaou smears should be collected near the middle of the menstrual cycle. No douching, lubricant use, or sexual intercourse for 24 hours prior to specimen collection. 

Container/Tube: Slide

Specimen Volume: Circular scrape of cervical os

Collection Instructions:

1. Specimen containers must be labeled with a minimum of 2 unique identifiers (patient's name, and medical record number or date of birth). Containers should also be labeled with specimen source, and date collected.

2. Glass slides may be labeled with a single unique identifier, but 2 identifiers are preferred. If multiple slides are submitted, each slide must have proper identification. Glass slides should be identified with the patient's name and a second patient identifier that is also on the accompanying paperwork (ie, medical record number or date of birth)

3. Fix slides immediately in 95% alcohol or treat with commercially available spray fixative.