Molecular Pathology, Gynecologic Pathology

Test Code

3018

CPT Code

87481(x5), 87491, 87511, 87591, 87661, 87798(x9)

Transport Temperature and Stability

Room temperature; 14 days

Rejection Criteria

Vial with no swab, extra swabs, or incorrect swab submitted; insufficient fluid levels, specimen past stability, expired media, male specimens

Transport Container / Specimen

Vaginal specimen collected on the Aptima Multitest Swab (orange label) OR Aptima Unisex Swab (white label) OR cervical/endocervical specimen collected in a ThinPrep vial

Turn Around Time

48 - 72 hours

Collection

For Multitest Swab Collection

1. Insert the swab approximately two inches into the vagina and rotate for 10 to 30 seconds. Ensure the swab touches the walls of the vagina so that moisture is absorbed.
2. Withdraw the swab without touching the surrounding skin.
3. Immediately place the swab into the transport tube.
4. Carefully break the swab shaft at the score line.
5. Cap the specimen transport tube tightly, label with two patient identifiers.

For Unisex Swab Collection

1. Remove excess mucus from the cervical os and surrounding mucosa using the cleaning swab (white shaft). Discard this swab, do not include it in vial.
2. Insert the specimen collection swab (blue shaft) into the endocervical canal and rotate for 10 to 30 seconds to ensure adequate sampling.
3. Withdraw the swab carefully, avoiding contact with the vaginal mucosa.
4. Immediately place the swab into the transport tube.
5. Carefully break the swab shaft at the score line.
6. Cap the specimen transport tube tightly, label with two patient identifiers.

For ThinPrep Pap Vial Collection

1. Collect gynecological sample from the cervix/endocervix using a broom-type or cytobrush/spatula sampling device.
2. Twirl or swish device into a ThinPrep vial containing PreservCyt Transport medium. Discard collection device, do not leave in vial.
3. Cap the vial tightly and label with two patient identifiers.

Test Setup

Monday - Friday (days)

Methodology

Qualitative by RT-PCR