Necessary Information

1. The following information must accompany the specimen: 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.

2. Submit any pertinent history or clinical information.

Specimen Required

Supplies: PreservCyt Vial (T536)

Specimen Type: Anus or rectum

Container/Tube: ThinPrep/PreservCyt solution vial

Specimen Volume: A minimum of 20 mL or entire collection

Collection Instructions:

1. Visualize the anal opening by retracting the buttocks.

2. Moisten Dacron or polyester swab past internal anal sphincter until it abuts the distal rectal wall (4-5cm).

3. Rotate the swab 360 degrees and maintain lateral pressure on swab against the walls of the anus. The swab should bow slightly due to the pressure.

4. While rotating, slowly withdraw the swab.

5. Rotate at least 10 times while withdrawing the swab. This should take 20 to 30 seconds.

6. Immediately place swab in the ThinPrep solution. Swish at least 20 to 30 seconds in the ThinPrep solution.

7. Dispose of the swab.

8. Tighten the cap so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.

9. Place labels on the vial and on the bag.

10. Bag ThinPrep specimens individually as they tend to leak during transport.