The ThinPrep 2000 Processor is an automated slide preparation unit used with the ThinPrep Pap Test for cervical cancer testing. The ThinPrep 2000 can also be used for non-gynecological specimens such as for the diagnosis of cancers of the lung, bladder, and gastrointestinal tract, and in the preparation of fine needle aspiration of the thyroid and breast.

The ThinPrep 2000 utilizes a computerized process and patented membrane technology that controls dispersion, collection, and transfer of diagnostic cells from the sample to the slide. This ensures that the slide is representative and reproducible of the original sample collected in the ThinPrep Pap Test vial.

At the laboratory, the sample vial is placed into the ThinPrep 2000. Under the control of the instrument's microprocessor, a gentle dispersion step breaks up blood, mucus, and non-diagnostic debris, and then thoroughly mixes the sample. A series of negative pressure pulses are generated, which draw fluid though a ThinPrep 2000 filter to collect a thin, even layer of diagnostic cellular material. The ThinPrep 2000 constantly monitors the rate of flow through the ThinPrep 2000 filter during this process to collect an appropriate amount of material.

The cellular material is transferred to a glass slide using computer-controlled mechanical positioning and positive air pressure. The slide is then ejected into a cell fixative bath, ready for staining and evaluation.