Collection Instructions

Instructions for Copan FLOQSwabs® for vaginal self-collection are displayed under the "Resources" heading in the sidebar.

Instructions for Rovers Evalyn® Brush Sample suspension are displayed under the "Resources" heading in the sidebar.

Specimen Collection: 

Endocervical:

1. Prepare the speculum
2. For patients without physical or psychological need for lubricant, use lukewarm water to warm and lubricate the speculum
   • Water lubrication has the fewest risks to the quality of the PAP sample collected.
3. When necessary, sparingly apply carbomer-free lubricant on the exterior of the speculum blades.
4. If lubricant is necessary due to patient discomfort or the use of a plastic speculum, sparingly apply a thin film of carbomer-free lubricant on the speculum’s surface, avoiding the tip. Do not use an excessive amount of lubricant jelly to lubricate the speculum.
5. Remove excess mucus or other discharge present before taking the sample. This should be gently removed with ring forceps holding a folded gauze pad.
   • The excess cervical mucus is essentially devoid of meaningful cellular material and when present in the sample vial, may yield a slide with little or no diagnostic material present.
6. Remove inflammatory exudate from the cervical canal before taking the sample. Remove by placing a dry 2-by-2-inch piece of gauze over the cervix and peeling it away after it absorbs the exudate or by using a dry procto swab or scopette swab.
   • The excess inflammatory exudate is essentially devoid of diagnostic cellular material and, when present in the sample vial, may yield a slide with little or no diagnostic material present
7. The cervix should not be cleaned by washing with saline or it may result in a relatively acellular specimen.
8. The sample should be obtained before the application of acetic acid.

Specimen Transport: Immediate