PAP PAP Specimen Collection and Preparation

Question 1

What is the recommended instrument combination for collecting cells from the cervical transformation zone during a Pap test?

Accepted Answer

Endocervical brush combined with a spatula

Answer

Cotton swab only

Answer

Wooden Ayre spatula only

Answer

Cervical forceps

Question 2

How should a liquid-based cytology (LBC) specimen be processed immediately after collection?

Accepted Answer

Rinsed into a vial of preservative solution

Answer

Air-dried on a glass slide

Answer

Fixed with Papanicolaou stain immediately on the slide

Answer

Stored at room temperature for 48 hours before processing

Question 3

For how long before a Pap test should a patient avoid sexual intercourse to prevent specimen contamination?

Accepted Answer

48 hours

Answer

12 hours

Answer

5 days

Answer

7 days

Question 4

Which fixative is used for conventional Pap smears to prevent air-drying artifact?

Accepted Answer

95% ethanol

Answer

10% formalin

Answer

Normal saline

Answer

Buffered glutaraldehyde

Question 5

At what point in the menstrual cycle is it ideal to schedule a Pap specimen collection?

Accepted Answer

Days 10-20 of the cycle

Answer

During menstruation (days 1-5)

Answer

Days 1-5 only

Answer

After day 25 of the cycle

Question 6

What should a clinician do if excess mucus obscures the cervix during Pap specimen collection?

Accepted Answer

Gently remove excess mucus with a large cotton swab before sampling

Answer

Proceed with sampling without removing the mucus

Answer

Cancel the procedure and reschedule

Answer

Apply acetic acid solution to dissolve the mucus