Specimen 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 completed requisition in a specimen bag for transport to the laboratory.

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.

Anal Pap Tests with HPV Testing

Please order Miscellaneous Test with Order Comment/Code ATPCO.  See Mayo Clinic Laboratories' Anal ThinPrep Cytology with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Co-Test, Varies information.