Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube Type: 

SurePath or ThinPrep (PreservCyt) media

Collection Information: 

Collect cervical samples using SurePath media, or ThinPrep® Pap Test PreservCyt specimen transport media using standard liquid-based pap smear collection techniques.

Transport Information: 

Cervical specimens collected in Thin Prep or SurePath media can be transported ambient or refrigerated.

Minimum Sample Volume: 

1.5 mL

Remarks: 

Gross presence of blood may interfere with test performance.
Collection using carbomer-containing products may generate invalid or false negative results.
STI Sample Collection Guidance - Carbomer-free and Carbomer-containing product list (2023)

Unacceptable Conditions: 

Specimens NOT collected in SurePath or ThinPrep media.  If a swab or urine is obtained, refer to UGCCT or CXGCCT.