Hologic ThinPrep 5000, Operator'S Manual, Page: 255 / 346

O
PERATING
I
NSTRUCTIONS
7.38
ThinPrep™ 5000 Processor with AutoLoader Operator’s Manual
7
Removing an Aliquot (of up to 4 mL) from the PreservCyt Sample Vial prior to
Performing the ThinPrep Pap Test
Note:
Only one aliquot may be removed from the PreservCyt sample vial prior to performing the
ThinPrep Pap test, regardless of the volume of the aliquot (maximum aliquot volume = 4 mL).
Note:
Good laboratory practices should be followed to avoid introducing contaminants into either
the PreservCyt
™
sample vial or the aliquot. It is recommended to use powder-free gloves and
an individually wrapped, disposable pipetting device with an aerosol barrier tip that is sized
appropriately for the volume being withdrawn and dispensed. You should not use serological
pipettes. In order to minimize the potential for cross contamination, aliquot removal should
be performed in an appropriate location outside an area where amplification is performed.
1. Vortex the vial at high speed for 8 to 12 seconds.
CAUTION:
The desired aliquot must be removed immediately after vortexing the vial to ensure
homogeneity of the sample.
2. Carefully remove the vial cap.
3. Using a pipetting device, withdraw an aliquot of up to 4 mL from the vial. Take care to avoid
contaminating gloves with solution. If gloves should become contaminated, replace with a
clean pair before proceeding to the next specimen.
4. Dispense the aliquot into a suitably sized and labeled polypropylene tube and close tightly to
prevent leakage/evaporation.
5. Store the aliquot under conditions appropriate for ancillary test(s). Refer to manufacturer or
laboratory instructions for performing ancillary test(s) on the aliquot.
6. Dispose of the pipetting device in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
7. If the aliquot removed is less than or equal to 2.5 mL, proceed to step 9. If the volume of the
aliquot removed from the vial is between 2.5 mL and 4 mL, the volume removed must be
replenished with fresh PreservCyt Solution prior to processing the vial on the ThinPrep
processor. Using a new pipetting device, withdraw a quantity of unused PreservCyt Solution
from its container that is equal in volume to that of the aliquot removed from the vial in
step 3.
8. Transfer the volume of unused PreservCyt Solution to the vial from which the aliquot was
removed in step 3.
9. Secure the vial cap. (The line on the cap and line on the vial should meet or slightly overlap.)
10. Dispose of the pipetting device in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
11. Refer to the sections in this chapter to complete the ThinPrep
™
Pap test.