Hologic thinprep 2000 - Page 30

INTRODUCTION
ThinPrep 2000 Processor Operator’s Manual 1.3
1
The ThinPrep Sample Preparation Process
As with conventional Pap smears, slides prepared with the ThinPrep 2000 system are examined in
the context of the patient’s clinical history and information provided by other diagnostic procedures
such as colposcopy, biopsy, and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, to determine patient
management.
Limitations
• Gynecologic samples collected for preparation using the ThinPrep 2000 system should be
collected using a broom-type cervical collection device or endocervical brush/plastic
spatula combination collection device.
1. Dispersion 2. Cell Collection 3. Cell Transfer
(1) Dispersion
The ThinPrep Pap test filter
rotates within the sample
vial, creating currents in the
fluid that are strong enough
to separate debris and
disperse mucus, but gentle
enough to have no adverse
effect on cell appearance.
(2) Cell Collection
A gentle vacuum is created
within the ThinPrep Pap test
filter, which collects cells on
the exterior surface of the
membrane. Cell collection is
controlled by the ThinPrep
2000 processor’s software that
monitors the rate of flow
through the ThinPrep Pap test
filter.
(3) Cell Transfer
After the cells are collected on
the membrane, the ThinPrep
Pap test filter is inverted and
gently pressed against the
ThinPrep microscope slide.
Natural attraction and slight
positive air pressure cause the
cells to adhere to the ThinPrep
microscope slide resulting in
an even distribution of cells in
a defined circular area.