PAP Stain

Test ID: G PAP CPT Code: N/A

Biopharma: This test is available for use in clinical trials or research purposes only.

Expected Turnaround Time

2 days
Stated turn-around-times (TATs) are for clinical use only and subject to change based on biopharma protocol requirements. Final TATs will be specified in the biopharma study contract.

Clinical Information

Papanicolaou (PAP) special stain, commonly known as the Pap stain, is a cytological staining technique used to detect abnormal cells, particularly in screening for cervical cancer. This stain is widely used in pathology to examine specimens from Pap smears, identifying dysplastic or neoplastic changes in the cervix and other epithelial tissues.

Specimen Requirements

Cytological slides from exfoliated cells, typically obtained through Pap smears. For optimal results, the specimen should be fresh, appropriately fixed with ethanol, and well-spread on the slide to avoid clumping of cells. The specimen should be free from contaminants such as blood, lubricant, or debris to ensure accurate staining and interpretation.

Specimen Stability

Unstained cytology slide in ethanol: indefinite

Storage Requirements

15°C to 25°C

Shipping Conditions

Ambient

Shipping Recommendations

AMBIENT, Use a refrigerated (NOT FROZEN) gel pack in the shipment to protect from extreme temperatures. Separate gel pack from specimen.

Specimen Rejection Criteria

Unfixed slide; hypocellular; improper temperature

Test Details

Synonyms

PAP smear stain, Papanicolaou

Test Method

Anatomic Pathology

Methodology Category

Anatomic Pathology

Regulatory Status

IVD, CE-marked