Collection devices for cervicovaginal cytology: a comparison
Dighe, S.; Ajit, D.
Acta Cytologica 49(4): 416-420
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5547 PMID: 16124171 Document Number: 584861
Objective To compare cervicovaginal smears obtained by a cotton-tipped swab with those obtained by cervix brush and modified Ayre spatula.Study DesignA smear was collected from 100 women using 3 different collection devices: cotton-tipped swab, cervix brush, and modified Ayre spatula. In each patient a set of 3 smears was collected by the same cytotechnologist using all 3 devices in random order. Smears were evaluated using parameters mandatory for an optimal smear. evenly dispersed, well-preserved, adequate cells from the transformation zone. The cost and availability of the collection devices were also considered.ResultsThe swab was the most effective device in obtaining thin, evenly spread, adequate, well-preserved smears as against the cervix brush and Ayre spatula. The pickup of abnormal cells was similar with the cotton-tipped swab and cervix brush, while the Ayre spatula failed to yield high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance and adenocarcinoma cells. The cotton-tipped swab proved to be the most cost effective.ConclusionA properly prepared cotton-tipped swab is an inexpensive, readily available, nontraumatic collection device that yields a smear of optimal quality.