Abstract
Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytologic findings of liquid-based cytology (LBC) and conventional cervical testing (CCT).
Study Design : We obtained four Pap test samples from each of 705 patients : CCT with a cotton swab (sample A), CCT with a Cervix-Brush (sample B), LBC with a cotton swab (sample C), and LBC with a Cervix-Brush (sample D). Cytologic evaluation was performed according to The 2001 Bethesda System.
Results : Inadequate samples were frequently observed in samples A (10%) compared to samples B (3%). Low squamous cellularity (less than 5,000) was seen in 25% and 9% of samples C and D, respectively, but most of these samples were derived from atrophic or post-irradiation specimens. Endocervical cell detection was as follows : sample A, 7% ; B, 87% ; C, 4% ; and D, 75%. A clean background was noted in 76%, 64%, 90%, and 81% of samples A, B, C, and D, respectively. Although a different cytologic evaluation was made in 44 of 705 with CCT, and 42 of 705 with LBC, Cervix-Brush samples had a higher cytologic abnormality.
Conclusion : LBC with Cervix-Brush is the best procedure in cervical cancer screening except for specimens derived from postmenopausal and post-irradiated women.
