Instructions for taking a ThinPrep (Hologic) Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) sample

The Cytology Department uses ThinPrep (Hologic) liquid based technology

THESE SAMPLES MUST ONLY BE TAKEN BY APPROPRIATELY TRAINED AND REGISTERED SMEAR TAKERS.

Obtain an adequate sampling from the cervix using a broom-like device. Insert the central bristles of the broom into the endocervical canal deep enough to allow the shorter bristles to fully contact the ectocervix. Push gently, and rotate the broom in a clockwise direction five times.

Rinse the broom as quickly as possible into the PreservCyt Solution vial by pushing the broom into the bottom of the vial 10 times, forcing the bristles apart. As a final step, swirl the broom vigorously to further release the material. Discard the collection device.

Tighten the cap so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.

Record the patient's name and PID number and/or DOB on the vial. Complete all sections of the HMR101 request form fully and legibly using ball point pen. Pre-printed HMR101 request forms can be downloaded from the Open Exeter website. Please provide your LBC sample taker PIN.

SAMPLES CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT A VALID SMEAR TAKER PIN NUMBER

Place the vial and request form in a sealed pink transport bag and send to the laboratory for processing.

For further information on ThinPrep liquid based cytology visit the Hologic website www.hologic.com 

KEY FACTORS AFFECTING PERFORMANCE

Minimum data requirement is a key factor affecting performance however,a comprehensive list  including out of scope samples is available on the cervical cancer screening website www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk

Reporting times

In line with NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) Guidelines - 98% of cervical screening results should be available within 2 weeks. The current NHSCSP reporting rates may be found in the Department of Health Statistical Bulletin: Cervical Screening Programme:2009-10 www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk

Further examination on LBC samples is possible but will only be carried out following discussion with a Consultant Pathologist. Samples are kept for a minimum of 48 hours after the final report has been issued.  Stained slides are kept for 10 years.

Further information on Cytology 14 day Turnaround can be found at www.improvement.nhs.uk/cytology_guide.pdf

Non-Acceptance Policy. Samples will be rejected for the following reasons:

• Mislabelled sample vials (i.e. incorrect patient demographic information)
• Unlabelled samples
• Incorrect or missing patient demographic information on request forms
• Samples taken outside of the scope of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme (women under 25, over 64 or women without a cervix due to previous total abdominal hysterectomy).

Mandatory Information

• Sample taker PIN number. Samples will not be processed without a valid sample taker PIN number. Contacting PCTs to obtain missing PIN numbers will delay the reporting process and may compromise 14 day turnaround.
• Completion of data in Box 20 of the HMR101 request form. Failure of the sample taker to confirm that the cervix as been visualised and a 360 degree sweep taken will result in the sample being reported as inadequate by default, if no abnormal cells are identified.

The use of pre-printed HMR101 request forms from the Open Exeter system are strongly encouraged. Further information on completion of the HMR101 request form can be obtained on the NHS Cervical Sceeening website www.cancerscreening.nh.uk/cervical/hmr101.html