ASCCP Patient Management Guidelines: Pap Test Specimen Adequacy and Quality Indicators

OBJECTIVES: To provide management guidelines according to Pap test specimen adequacy based on literature review and expert opinion. METHODS: A task force named by the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology conducted a literature review and discussed appropriate management. The steering committee of the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology and other experts reviewed the guidelines. RESULTS: The guidelines recommend a repeat Pap test in 12 months for most women who are undergoing routine annual/biennial screening if the current Pap test is negative but either lacks an endocervical/transformation zone component or is partially obscured. Indications for considering an earlier repeat are also provided. The preferred management for unsatisfactory Pap tests is a repeat Pap test within a short interval of 2 to 4 months. CONCLUSIONS: The management guidelines will help promote optimal and uniform follow-up of women's Pap tests, according to Pap test specimen adequacy.