Hologic ThinPrep 5000, Operator'S Manual

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ThinPrep™ 5000 Processor with AutoLoader Operator’s Manual
5.11
5
N
ON
-G
YNECOLOGIC
S
AMPLE
P
REPARATION
ALLOW TO STAND IN PRESERVCYT SOLUTION FOR 15 MINUTES
After sample transfer to the PreservCyt
™
Solution vial, the sample should stand
for at least 15 minutes before processing to allow the PreservCyt Solution to
render the sample non-infectious.
For more information on PreservCyt Solution, refer to Chapter 3, PreservCyt™ & CytoLyt™
Solutions.
RUN ON THINPREP 5000 PROCESSOR USING SEQUENCE NON-GYN.
FIX, STAIN, AND EVALUATE.
After the sample has been in contact with PreservCyt Solution for 15 minutes, it
may be processed on the ThinPrep
™
5000 processor with AutoLoader. The
operator loads the instrument and selects the appropriate sequence for the
sample to be processed as described in Chapter 7, Operating Instructions.
At the completion of the process, the operator stains and coverslips the slide
according to the procedure in Chapter 10, Staining and Coverslipping.
When the slide is stained and coverslipped, it is microscopically reviewed by a
cytotechnologist or pathologist. If the slide appears unsatisfactory after
microscopic review, another slide may be made from the specimen using the
“SAMPLE PREPARATION TROUBLESHOOTING” on page 5.21.
MECHANICAL AGITATION
Mucoid specimens require vigorous agitation in CytoLyt
™
Solution to break up the mucus. Hologic
recommends two methods of mechanical agitation:
Method A:
Vortex the CytoLyt Solution/sample mixture for at least 5 minutes on a “hands-
free” vortexor. The vortexor speed must be adjusted to produce visible agitation
to the bottom of the tube.
Method B:
Blend the CytoLyt Solution/sample mixture for a few seconds.
Note:
Agitation times for both methods may vary due to differences in specimen consistency.
The blending technique may show fragmentation or disruption of cell architecture. Excessive
blending must be avoided.
Vortexing for at least 5 minutes after blending helps break up more mucus.