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Test Code Lab13 (ANAL PAP TEST, THINPREP) ANAL PAP TEST, THINPREP

Important Note

This test is subject to Medicare frequency limitations. See Lab Service Directory, Special Instructions, Pap Test Guidelines for Medicare.

HPV Testing:  Anal Pap tests have not been approved by the FDA for HPV testing therefore, our laboratory will not perform HPV testing on this type of sample.  There is no FDA-approved HPV test for anal or oral samples, therefore we do not perform this testing and will not forward to a reference lab.

Outside clients submit a manual order.

Specimen Collection Information

ThinPrep Anal Pap Test
There is no preparation necessary before obtaining anal cytology.
Lubricates should not be used prior to the anal pap test.

 

 

  1. Moisten the swab with sterile or non-sterile water.
  2. The anus is spread with the index and thumb of the non-dominant hand so that the anoderm pouts out.
  3. Gently insert the swab into the anal canal about 5 to 6 cm in order to past the anal verge with the goal of sampling the squamocolumnar transition zone. Samples are often collected unvisualized, although the use of an anoscope may assist in visualization.
  4. Move the swab slowly in and out without completely withdrawing it, while rotating it in a spiral motion. This should be done with mild pressure on the anal wall.
  5. After several rotations, withdraw the swab and place immediately into a PreservCyt Solution Vial. For cell transfer, vigorously agitate the swab several times in the solution.  Discard the swab. Note: Traces of feces or blood should not affect the outcome.
  6. Tighten the cap of the PreservCyt vial so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.
  7. Record the patient’s full name and a second unique identifier on the vial.  Place the vial and requisition in a specimen bag for transport to the laboratory.

Useful For

ThinPrep Anal Pap Test

The Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical Cytology is used when reporting results of Anal Paps. The presence of anal transformation cells is included (rectal columnar cells and/or squamous metaplastic cells.) Adequate specimen cellularity consists of a minimum of 1-2 nucleated squamous cells per high power field. A sample composed predominately of anucleate squames or mostly fecal material is unsatisfactory for evaluation.

 

 

HPV Testing

Anal Pap tests have not been approved by the FDA for HPV testing therefore, our laboratory will not perform HPV testing on this type of sample.

Method Name

Manual Method

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Reference Values

Negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy.

CPT Code Information

Description

CPT

Cytopathology

88112