Cervical Cancer Screening

The Cervical Cancer Screening Laboratory (CCSL) is funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) to provide cervical cancer screening testing to all eligible individuals in British Columbia.

CCSL is accredited by the College of American Pathologists and by the Diagnostic Accreditation Program of British Columbia (ISO 15189).

Lab Manual for Providers

CCSL Laboratory Manual (conventional Pap samples)

Cervix Screening Program Guidelines and Recommendations (PDF).

Information Regarding Transition to Liquid-based Cytology (LBC) Pap Collection:

CCSL Transition to Liquid-based Cytology (LBC) Bulletin^{*UPDATED OCT 2022} (PDF)

UPDATE: Conversion to LBC is now available to any Pap sample collector in the province. Phase 1 involving in-clinic training for high volume clinics is now complete. Self-directed training and reference materials are found below.

LBC Pap sample collection training materials

Transition to LBC collection involves self-directed training (if required). Please review the 10-minute training video and associated documents below. Please note completion of in-clinic training for the highest volume clinics has been completed.

LBC Pap sample shipping instructions

LBC Packaging and Shipping Instructions

Note: if samples are submitted to the lab via Canada Post, please note that pre-paid envelopes can be obtained through the LBC kit ordering website (details in section below).

LBC collection kits supply ordering

Please note the ordering process for LBC collection kits will no longer be via fax as we have transitioned to an online ordering system with a fulfilment partner.

The steps are as follows:

Complete the online registration form.
When you receive your log-in details (usually within one business day, you will be directed to the online ordering system.

Here you will be able to order LBC kits (PreservCyt (R) vials, plastic spatulas and cytobrushes in a plastic bag for shipping) and pads of requisitions (if needed).

If you currently use Canada Post for shipping samples to the lab, you will also be able to order packs of pre-paid envelopes.

If you have any questions or issues with the online ordering process, please contact the fulfilment center helpdesk at:

604-332-4694

helpdesk@silverbacksystems.io

Return of conventional Pap supplies

Please return any clean, unused conventional Pap supplies (unopened boxes of glass slides, blue slide mailers, wooden spatulas) to the lab using your regular courier method (e.g. LifeLabs, MTS). These will be donated elsewhere as appropriate.

Please clearly mark the box or bag with

"Attn CCSL: return of Pap supplies"

‎If you do not have regular courier pick up and use Canada Post for delivering samples, or have any other reason why return of product is not possible, please send an email to CCSLClerical@bccancer.bc.ca.

Small amounts of remaining supplies may be discarded if that is your preference.

Your assistance with this is appreciated.

Requisition & forms

Cervical Cancer Screening Test requisition form (PDF)

*NEW* - Pads of paper requisitions can now be ordered with LBC kits (see 'LBC collection kits supply ordering' above) and a fax form is no longer accepted.

Pap test processing payment form (PDF)

Questions? Contact us

Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm (except statutory holidays)

1-877-PHSA-LAB, option 2
(1-877-747-2522)

CCSLClerical@bccancer.bc.ca

To request registration as a new provider or make changes to existing provider information, please complete the LM Labs provider update form (PDF).