Cervical Cancer Screening Laboratory

The Cervical Cancer Screening Laboratory (CCSL) is funded and operated by PHSA's Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services (PLMS) to provide cervix 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

Updated manual: CCSL Lab Manual for Providers (PDF).

If you have specific questions not addressed in the Lab Manual, please email CCSLClerical@bccancer.bc.ca.

Cervix screening guidelines

For management of cervix screening results, the latest guidelines and other cervix screening resources please refer to the BC Cancer Cervix Screening Program web page.

Cervix Screening Program Guidelines and Recommendations (PDF).

Information regarding transition to primary HPV testing

The transition to primary HPV testing began January 29, 2024, including an age-based roll-out for liquid-based (LBC) collections. The HPV self-screening option via a vaginal swab is available to all eligible persons aged 25-69. Please visit the Cervix Screening Program web page for more information.

Please note: collection of both a vaginal swab and a liquid-based (LBC) collection for cervix screening is not appropriate. Only one or the other should be collected and submitted to the lab. Please refer to this algorithm (PDF) for a review of factors that can influence whether a patient can or should self-screen or have a provider-collect LBC sample collected during speculum exam.

Information regarding transition to liquid-based cytology (LBC) collection

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

Update: Conversion to LBC is now mandatory for all cervical cytology (Pap) collectors in the province. Self-directed training and reference materials are found below.

 

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.


Both liquid-based cytology (LBC) vials (for HPV and/or cytology) as well as vaginal swabs for self-collect/provider collect HPV testing can be ordered online from our fulfilment partner.

The steps are as follows:

  1. Complete the online registration form
  2. 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), Copan FLOQSwabs for patient/provider-collection 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 or about the status of your order, please contact the fulfilment center helpdesk at
604-332-4694 or
helpdesk@silverbacksystems.io.

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​​Both LBC vials for HPV and/or cytology can be packaged together with clinic-collected swabs for HPV testing. ​Please refer to the packaging and shipping instructions in the below PDF document.

It is important to label the outer envelope or package with "CCSL" + address (BCCDC 655 W12th Ave) for correct handling.

Note: if samples are submitted to the lab via Canada Post, pre-paid envelopes can be obtained through the cervix screening supply ordering online portal (details in section above). These are reserved for clinics that have no other return option available (e.g. a medical courier).

 

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.

 

Expired liquid-based (LBC) vials can be discarded in yellow biohazard bags/bins, or returned to the lab for disposal. Do not discard in regular garbage.

If returning to the lab, please clearly mark the bag with
"Attn CCSL: expired vials"

Expired FLOQSwabs can be discarded in regular garbage.

Requisition & forms