Improving cervical cytology screening in a remote, high risk population

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Abstract
Objective To evaluate the use of the ThinPrep method to reduce rates of unsatisfactory Papanicolaou (Pap) smears in women in remote communities. Design Prospectively collected samples were split and screened conventionally and by ThinPrep at the Queensland Cytology Service. Patients Three hundred women having cervical smears taken by a Mobile Women's Health Service nurse or at the antenatal and sexual health clinics of a remote north Queensland community. Main outcome measure Number of Pap smears reported as unsatisfactory for evaluation and requiring a repeat smear request. Results 17.3% of conventionally prepared smears were technically unsatisfactory, compared with 6.3% prepared with ThinPrep. The overall rate of unsatisfactory smears was only 4.3% when both ThinPrep and conventional smears were assessed for a combined report. Conclusion A significant reduction in the proportion of unsatisfactory Pap smears is possible with the ThinPrep method. Targeted use of ThinPrep in communities with high rates of unsatisfactory smears may prove cost‐effective.