CHAPTER 4: SCREENING FOR CERVICAL CANCER

PS 8: Taking a Pap Smear1175. Immediately fix each slide. Either use spray fixative, at a right angle to, and adistance of 20 cm from, the slide, or immerse the slide in a container of 95%ethanol for at least 5 minutes.PS 8Figure PS8.3 Fixing a conventional Pap smear20 cmPS 8: Taking a Pap SmearIf the slide is not fixed immediately, the cells will dry and become misshapen; it willthen not be possible to read the slide accurately in the laboratory.6. Gently close and remove the speculum.7. Place all used instruments in decontamination solution.After taking the smear8. Label the frosted edge of each slide carefully with the woman’s name and clinicrecord number, and the date.9. On the patient record, note and illustrate any features you have noted: visibilityof the transformation zone, inflammation, ulcers or other lesions, abnormaldischarge. Note whether other samples were taken, for example Pap smear ofother areas, any STI tests and, if the woman has been referred elsewhere, towhom and when.10. Ask the woman if she has any questions.11. Tell her when and how she will receive the test results and stress the importanceof returning for her results. Ideally, results should be sent to the clinic within 2 or3 weeks. It is not acceptable for the laboratory to take more than 1 month beforereporting back.