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Test ID: 82037    
ThinPrep Screen, Without Physician Interpretation

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Routine cytology screen for cervical abnormalities as an alternative to conventional Pap smears.

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

The ThinPrep PAP Test is an alternative preparation method for the cervical Pap screening test. The method utilizes a liquid-base technique that replaces the direct smear method of the conventional Pap screen. This method is one of several new technologies developed to improve visualization of cellular material by reducing smearing trauma, air drying artifact, and obscuring blood and inflammation. In addition, variability in smearing technique is eliminated as the majority of processing and preparation is performed in the laboratory under controlled conditions.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Satisfactory for evaluation. Negative for intraepithelial lesion.

Note: Abnormal results will be reviewed by a pathologist at an additional charge.

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Standard reporting, as defined by the Bethesda System (TBS) is utilized.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

The ThinPrep PAP Test (TPPT) is a screen, not a diagnostic method. Abnormalities should be confirmed with clinical and tissue biopsy correlation.

 

Only up to 80% to 90% of cervical abnormalities can be identified by conventional Pap smear methods. Reports suggest that the TPPT may detect a higher proportion of abnormalities, but the detection rate will most likely not be greater than 90% to 95%. Therefore, a negative TPPT result does not preclude the presence of a cervical abnormality.

Supportive Data

Studies have shown overall increased adequacy (as measured by decreased "unsatisfactory" and "satisfactory but limited by" rates) as compared to the conventional smear method. Some studies showing increased detection rates for epithelial cell abnormalities (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions) as well as decreased indeterminant rates (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance ) have been reported in both split specimen (ThinPrep and conventional smears) and direct-to-vial comparison studies.

Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Austin RM, Ramzey I: Increased detection of epithelial cell abnormalities by liquid-based gynecologic cytology preparations. A review of accumulated data. Acta Cytol 1998;42:178-184

2. Guidos BJ, Selvaggi SM: Use of the ThinPrep PAP test in clinical practice. Diagn Cytopathol 1999;20:70-73

3. Kurman RJ, Solomon D: The Bethesda system for reporting cervical/vaginal cytologic diagnoses: definitions, criteria, and explanatory notes for terminology and specimen adequacy. New York, NY, Springer-Verlag, 1994

4. Gay JD, Donaldson LD, Goellner JR: False-negative results in cervical cytologic studies. Acta Cytol 1985;29:1043-1046

Special Instructions and Forms Describes specimen collection and preparation information, test algorithms, and other information pertinent to test. Also includes pertinent information and consent forms to be used when requesting a particular test