Taking HPV Primary Cervical Screening Samples Using Hologic ThinPrep
Record…
The patient’s full name and date of birth / NHS No. on the vial.
The patient information and medical history on the Cervical Screening requisition form.
STOP – do not take the sample if you are not trained in the Thinprep technique and / or you do not have a PIN issued by Wolverhampton cytology laboratory.
Obtain…
An adequate sample from the cervix using the supplied Cervex Brush (broom-like device). Insert the central bristles of the brush into the endocervical canal deep enough to allow the shorter bristles to fully contact the ectocervix. Push gently and rotate the brush through 360° in a CLOCKWISE direction five times.
Rinse…
The Cervex Brush immediately into the PreservCyt Solution vial by pushing it into the bottom of the vial 10 times, forcing the bristles apart. As a final step, swirl the brush vigorously to further release material. Visually inspect the Cervex Brush to ensure that no material remains attached. Discard the brush.
Tighten…
The cap so that the black torque line on the cap passes the black torque line on the vial. Do not over-tighten.
Place…
The vial in an individual purple cervical screening sample bag with the corresponding request form in the separate pocket (Ensure the top seal of the bag is zipped tight). Place all such samples into a large purple cervical screening samples transport bag (Ensure the top seal of the bag is zipped tight) ready for collection by the Cytology transport staff. Please send samples, even if there is only one, on the next available Transport Run.
Inadequate Primary HPV Cervical Screening Samples
The number of samples reported as inadequate was reduced significantly with the advent of liquid-based cytology (LBC) and still further following the move to HPV primary screening, the inadequate rate now being approximately 1%.
The laboratory works closely with programme commissioners and local screening boards to keep inadequate samples to a minimum. However, if you are concerned about your inadequate rate, please contact the laboratory on the number given above.
Unnecessary Primary HPV Cervical Screening Samples
It is not permitted to take additional screening samples outside of the Screening Programme. Women with symptoms should receive appropriate treatment or if clinically indicated be referred to a Gynaecologist.
The laboratory will destroy samples received that have been taken out of scope of the NHSCSP and the local NHS England programme commissioners will be informed, and they may contact you for an explanation. The laboratory accepts samples up to 3 months prior to the due date in accordance with National Guidance.
Please seek advice from the laboratory if required by calling the general enquiry phone number (see top of page).
