Procedure
The procedure for the Tao Brush biopsy is:
1. The patient will be asked to lay on the table will their feet in the stirrups as for a routine pelvic exam.
2. The brush will be inserted into the uterus. The covering sheath will protect the brush from collecting any contaminating tissue from the cervix.
3. Once the brush is in place, the sheath is removed.
4. The brush is then rotated 4-5 times, collecting tissue from the entire uterine lining.
5. The sheath is then replaced, ensuring that the tissue samples are trapped on the brush.
6. The brush is removed and placed directly in the fixative solution.
The entire procedure takes approximately 30 seconds and can be completed at the same time as a routine Pap Smear.
The sample will be ready for processing in about 30 minutes and can be stored for several weeks, allowing it to be transported to an offsite laboratory. Bostwick Laboratories, currently the only laboratory which processes Tao Brush biopsies, called the TruTest, usually reports the results of the test within 3 business days.
Along with early detection of endometrial cancer, the TruTest also test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and HPV.
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