Test ID: 9230
Maturation Smear
Specimen Type 
Describes the specimen type needed for testing
Specimen Required Defines the optimal specimen. This field describes the type of specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing. The volume allows automated processing, fastest throughput and, when indicated, repeat or reflex testing.
Specimen should be taken from the lateral vaginal wall (not cervix).
-An acceptable cytology request form must accompany specimen containers and include the following: Patient's name, medical record number, date of birth, sex, source (exact location and procedure used), date specimen was taken, name of ordering physician and pager number.
-Submit any pertinent history or clinical information
-For optimal results specimen should be collected at middle of menstrual cycle
-Maturation Index will not be determined if endocervical cells or inflammatory cells are present.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Smear
Container/Tube: Plastic slide container
Specimen Volume: Slide
Collection Instructions:
1. Label every slide with a minimum of 2 unique identifiers (eg, patient name and clinic number).
2. Immediately fix specimen in 95% ethanol or spray with a commercially available fixative.
Specimen Type: Broom collection device
Container/Tube: ThinPrep vial
Specimen Volume: Adequate specimen
Collection Instructions:
1. Label vial with a minimum of 2 unique identifiers (eg, patient name and clinic number).
2. Collect specimen from lateral vaginal wall.
3. Rinse broom in PreservCyt solution vial by pushing broom into bottom of vial 10 times forcing bristles apart.
4. As final step, swirl broom vigorously to further release material. Discard device.
5. Tighten cap on vial.
Specimen Type: Brush/spatula collection device
Container/Tube: ThinPrep vial
Specimen Volume: Adequate specimen
Collection Instructions:
1. Label vial with a minimum of 2 unique identifiers (eg, patient name and clinic number).
2. Collect specimen from lateral vaginal wall.
3. Rinse spatula in PreservCyt solution by swirling spatula vigorously into vial 10 times. Discard spatula.
4. Rinse brush in PreservCyt vial by rotating brush 10 times while pushing against side of vial.
5. Swirl brush vigorously as final step to further release material. Discard brush.
6. Tighten cap on vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume Defines the amount of specimen required to perform an assay once, including instrument and container dead space. Submitting the minimum specimen volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory or perform reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum specimen volume may result in a QNS (quantity not sufficient) result, requiring a second specimen to be collected.
Reject Due To Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected
| Hemolysis | NA |
| Lipemia | NA |
| Icterus | NA |
| Other | NA |
Specimen Stability Information Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the laboratory. Alternate acceptable temperature(s) are also included.
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Ambient | |
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