MarkPap⢠Test applied on specimens from solution
BioSciCon, Inc. Rockville, MD, United States
AIM: The MarkPap⢠test is intended to assist primary screeners to reduce the false negative results of Pap test screening. It is a biomarker-driven technology based on cervical acid phosphatase as a biomarker of cervical dysplasia. In order to make this test applicable on liquid-based specimens, we had to develop a novel cytopreservative solution (MarkPap⢠Solution) containing a proprietary antioxidant and methanol to preserve both the enzyme activity and cell morphology. METHOD: The MarkPap⢠Solution is both cell and enzyme protective. Stability testing showed that the protection of cell morphology and enzyme activity is up to three months at room temperature. A simple cytocentrifuge can successfully replace expensive cell transferring devices. CONCLUSION The MarkPap⢠Solution may serve for collection, transport, and storage of cervical specimens. Stability of both the enzyme marker and cell morphology is beyond duration provided by currently available solutions for cell-preservation of cervical specimens.
Paper presented at the International Symposium on Predictive Oncology and Intervention Strategies; Nice, France; February 7 - 10, 2004; in poster session 992 (Screening & detection).