The effects of different sampling techniques on smear quality and the diagnosis of cytological abnormalities in cervical screening
- 1 June 1997
- journal article
- clinical trial
- Published by Wiley in Cytopathology
- Vol. 8 (3) , 188-195
- https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2303.1997.4675046.x
Abstract
A major cause of false‐negative cervical smears is sampling error. We examined the results obtained with three different instruments in 126 608 smears from general practitioners. The spatula/brush combination yielded the highest proportion of smears showing cytological abnormalities, and the Cervex brush the lowest. Although not a randomized study, this paper highlights the shortcomings of the Cervex brush. We postulate a mechanical deficiency. Diagnostic accuracy rather than a high proportion of good quality smears should dictate the choice of instrument.Keywords
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