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

Submit one of the following specimens:

Preferred

Specimen Type: Anus or rectum

Supplies: ThinPrep Media with Spatula and Brush Kit (T434)

Collection Container/Tube: Brush

Submission Container/Tube: ThinPrep

Specimen Volume: A minimum of 20 mL or entire collection

Collection Instructions:

1. Visualize the anal opening by retracting the buttocks.

2. Insert brush past internal anal sphincter until it abuts the distal rectal wall (4-5cm).

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

4. While rotating, slowly withdraw the brush.

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

6. Immediately place brush in the ThinPrep solution and swish at least 20 to 30 seconds.

7. Dispose of the brush.

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

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

10. Place labels on the vial and on the biohazard bag.

Acceptable

Specimen Type: Anus or rectum

Supplies: PreservCyt Vial (T536)

Collection Container/Tube: Dacron/polyester swab

Submission Container/Tube: 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. Insert 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. Bag ThinPrep specimens individually as they tend to leak during transport.

10. Place labels on the vial and on the biohazard bag.