Cervical Cytology Screening

Purpose of the test

The Cytology Unit is a section within the Histopathology Department. The unit processes some 25,500 cervical smear screening tests and 3,300 diagnostic samples which include fluid specimens, brush specimens and Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Cytology.

The cytology laboratory working hours are 9am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm on Friday (excluding bank holidays). A limited out of hours service is provided by the Histology Department at the weekend to deal with urgent CSF and PCP bronchial lavage specimens.

The unit has fully converted to Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) using Cytyc Thinprep technology.

Sample Requirements

It is important that the vials are labelled correctly (first name, last name, date of birth and/or NHS number and that the request form (HMR101) is completed correctly. It is important to indicate whether the cervix has been completely visualised and the NHS number must be provided whenever possible.

Guidelines on completing the HMR101 form are available from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme Site at http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/cervical/hmr101.html.

Storage and Transport

Vials should be sent to the laboratory in individual specimen bags accompanied by the request form. Specimens should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible. There is no need to refrigerate LBC specimens as the cells are protected in the preservative fluid.