PAP PAP Specimen Collection and Preparation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended instrument combination for collecting cells from the cervical transformation zone during a Pap test?
- Cotton swab only
- Endocervical brush combined with a spatula (Correct answer)
- Wooden Ayre spatula only
- Cervical forceps
Correct answer: Endocervical brush combined with a spatula
The combination of an endocervical brush and spatula is recommended to sample both the ectocervix and the endocervical canal.
Question 2: How should a liquid-based cytology (LBC) specimen be processed immediately after collection?
- Air-dried on a glass slide
- Rinsed into a vial of preservative solution (Correct answer)
- Fixed with Papanicolaou stain immediately on the slide
- Stored at room temperature for 48 hours before processing
Correct answer: Rinsed into a vial of preservative solution
In liquid-based cytology, the collection device is rinsed into a vial of preservative solution to create a uniform cell suspension.
Question 3: For how long before a Pap test should a patient avoid sexual intercourse to prevent specimen contamination?
- 12 hours
- 48 hours (Correct answer)
- 5 days
- 7 days
Correct answer: 48 hours
Patients are advised to avoid sexual intercourse for at least 48 hours before a Pap test to prevent contamination of the cervical specimen.
Question 4: Which fixative is used for conventional Pap smears to prevent air-drying artifact?
- 10% formalin
- 95% ethanol (Correct answer)
- Normal saline
- Buffered glutaraldehyde
Correct answer: 95% ethanol
95% ethanol (or a spray fixative containing alcohol) must be applied immediately to the smear to prevent cellular distortion from air-drying.
Question 5: At what point in the menstrual cycle is it ideal to schedule a Pap specimen collection?
- During menstruation (days 1-5)
- Days 1-5 only
- Days 10-20 of the cycle (Correct answer)
- After day 25 of the cycle
Correct answer: Days 10-20 of the cycle
Mid-cycle (days 10-20) is optimal because cervical mucus is thinnest and cellular shedding is most representative of the transformation zone.
Question 6: What should a clinician do if excess mucus obscures the cervix during Pap specimen collection?
- Proceed with sampling without removing the mucus
- Gently remove excess mucus with a large cotton swab before sampling (Correct answer)
- Cancel the procedure and reschedule
- Apply acetic acid solution to dissolve the mucus
Correct answer: Gently remove excess mucus with a large cotton swab before sampling
Excess mucus should be gently removed before sampling to ensure adequate cellular material is collected from the transformation zone.
PAP PAP Specimen Collection and Preparation 1
What is the recommended instrument combination for collecting cells from the cervical transformation zone during a Pap test?