Clinical Tests Available
| Name of Test | Specimen/Container Requirements: | Further Information: |
| Cervical Cytology/HPV Screening LBC Smears | The specimen should be taken following the normal smear taking protocol. The collected specimen should then be rinsed out into a Hologic™ Thin Prep Pap Test (LBC) specimen vial Please ensure the vial is within the date specified. If it is out of date then it must NOT be used. If a sample is received taken using an out of date vial, it will NOT be processed. | Each LBC sample should be placed in a clear polythene bag and sent to the laboratory in the appropriate white cervical cytology samples only (LBC) bag and accompanied with a Specimen Dispatch Note. For general/technical enquiries please contact: Gillian Collins: 0141 354 (8)9501 Lab: 0141 354 (8)9524 |
| HPV Screening Self Sampling Swabs | Hologic Aptima Multi Test Swab Specimen Collection Kit provided to patients by GP. Please ensure the swab is within the date specified. If it is out of date then it must NOT be used. If a sample is received taken using an out of date swab, it will NOT be processed. | Lab supplies GPs with Hologic Aptima Multi Test Swab Collection Kits Each swab sample should be placed in a clear polythene bag and sent to the laboratory in the appropriate white cervical cytology samples only (LBC) bag and accompanied with a Specimen Dispatch Note. For general/technical enquiries please contact: Gillian Collins: 0141 354 (8)9501 Lab: 0141 354 (8)9524 |
Sample Collection
The specimen should be taken as described in the handbook for Healthcare Professionals Taking Cervical Screening Tests supplied to smear takers by NSD. Other boards should follow their normal smear taking protocol. The collected specimen should then be rinsed out into a Hologic™ Thin Prep Pap Test (LBC) specimen vial.
Please ensure the vial is within the date specified. If it is out of date then it must not be used.
Requests for cervical smears should be generated electronically at the smear taker location using the Scottish Cervical Call and Recall computer system (SCCRS). If your patient is awaiting IVF please note this in the Clinical Comments box and the sample will be prioritized. The vial should be appropriately labelled using the bar coded SCCRS label and sent to the laboratory.
Each LBC sample should be placed in a clear polythene bag and sent to the laboratory in the appropriate White Cervical Cytology Samples Only (LBC) bag (NHSGGC) and accompanied with a Specimen Dispatch note.
Sample takers from other health boards should use their respective collection bags and tracker sheets as appropriate. Samples are then transferred on to the local ‘hub’ for forwarding to the lab in NHSGGC using the provided DX courier and collection/delivery bags.
In exceptional circumstances cervical smear samples can be sent to the laboratory accompanied by a paper request form. Smear takers who send paper requests with the sample to the laboratory must use the official SCCRS Cervical Cytopathology Request Form.
Smear takers must give a reason as to why a paper request was sent, such as SCCRS not working at smear taker location
Self-Sampling for HPV Screening Pilot
A Pilot/Trial of HPV Screening using swabs for self-sampling commenced 23/02/26 with selected GP practices across NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. Information kits and Instructions for both GPs and Patients are provided by Screening Oversight and Assurance Scotland (SOAS).
Samples are to be taken using the Hologic Aptima Multi Test Swab Specimen Collection Kit. This will be supplied to GP practices by the Cytology Department.
Please ensure the swab is within the date specified. If it is out of date then it must NOT be used. If a sample is received taken using an out of date swab, it will NOT be processed.
Requests for self-taken samples should be generated electronically by the GP practice using the Scottish Cervical Call and Recall computer system (SCCRS). The swab should be appropriately labelled using the bar coded SCCRS label and sent to the laboratory.
Each swab sample should be placed in a clear polythene bag and sent to the laboratory in the appropriate White Cervical Cytology Samples Only (LBC) bag (GGC) and accompanied with a Specimen Dispatch Note.
Contacts
The Cervical Cytology Department aims to provide the best possible diagnostic service. Should you have a general/technical enquiry or comments about any aspect of the service please contact:
Gillian Collins: 0141 354 (8)9501
Laboratory: 0141 354 (8)9542
Please click here for more information on the national screening programme