Anal
HPV Screening Protocol
Principle:
The “Anal Pap” is a screening tool used in at-risk populations to
identify individuals who have premalignant cytologic changes in their anal epithelium.
Procedure:
1. Moisten the
Dacron swab with water, not lubricant.
2. Insert
Dacron swab* approximately 1.5 to 2 inches into the anal canal.* It is
important to use Dacron and not a cotton swab, as cells tend to cling to cotton
and do not release easily into cytology collection fluid.
3. Once
inserted deep enough into the anus (necessary in order to collect both rectal
columnar and anal squamous cells), the swab should be pulled out, applying some
pressure to the wall of the anus, rotating the swab in a spiral motion along
the way.
4. The
collection device should be thoroughly rinsed and swirled in the SurePath
vial. After rinsing, the collection device may be discarded.
5. Place the
cap on the vial and tighten.
6. Place the
SurePath vial in a plastic biohazard bag and use zip lock to seal. Insert
completed Non-Gyn Cytology Request Form in the outside pocket.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Testing may be ordered, in addition to
routine cytology screening. However, HPV Testing on anal samples has not been
validated or FDA approved. Therefore, the significance of these results is
uncertain. A negative result does not exclude the possibility of an infection.
If you wish to have the sample tested for HPV, please indicate on the
requisition.
Materials
and Reagents:
- SurePath Vial
- Dacron Swab - Moistened with Water
- Non-Gyn Cytology Request Form
- Biohazard Bag
Reference: ARUP Laboratories, 500 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
