Specialized tools designed to collect, hold, transport, and stabilize endocervical specimens; products include pap kits, cytology brushes, cell scrapers, transport systems, etc.

Endocervical specimen collection products are used to help collect, preserve, and transport cell samples. The cells are then sent to a lab where they are examined microscopically to detect changes that may be cancer-related.

Surface cells collected from the endocervix are processed and stained for evaluation by a cytotechnologist or pathologist. Sample collection and testing is also known as a “Pap test” or “Pap smear” and is used to detect the presence of abnormal cells or changes that indicate pre-cancerous or cancerous morphology.

The name of the test is an abbreviation of one of the test’s creators, Dr. Georgios Papanikolaou. The Papanicolaou staining technique uses tinctorial dyes and acids that are selectively retained by the cells and highlight cytoplasmic keratinization.

Computer systems may be used to prescreen the slides and forward those that require special attention to a trained professional. Abnormal findings may be followed with more diagnostic procedures and interventions to prevent the progression to cancer.

The Pap test is an effective and widely used screening method for early detection of precancer and cervical cancer. Although other infections and abnormalities may also be uncovered by the procedure, it is not designed for these purposes. Additional biomarker testing of the cells may also be available.

Products used to collect these specimens include brushes and scrapers, preservatives and fixatives, and transport media.