Adequate cell collection during Pap tests plays a critical role in the screening of sexually transmitted diseases such as N. gonorrheae, Chlamydia, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. If left untreated many of these diseases can result in serious health conditions, infertility and specifically in the case of cervical cancer, life threatening consequences. HPV is a family of very common viruses which is linked to almost all cases of cervical cancer. Long-standing infection can lead to changes in the cells that can progress to cancer. It is these cell changes that a Pap test can detect. Early detection of HPV and other STD’s mean that the infections can be treated before they become a more serious health risk to the patient.

Copan FLOQSwabs™ instantly and spontaneously release sample into liquid media increasing the number of cells available for evaluation and providing a homogeneous sample suspension. The homogeneous cell suspension means that an even monolayer of cells can be transferred to the microscope slide with no layering that could make obscure cells and hinder the evaluation and interpretation of the sample. Copan’s unique L shaped endo/esocervical FLOQSwab™ was created specifically for Pap tests and has an anatomically correct design allowing for the collection of cells from the interior, as well as the outside of the cervix. Rapid elution of cells as well as the collection of cells from both cervical sites leads to more accurate, reliable testing.