What is liquid based cervical cytology?

Liquid-based cytology is a new method of preparing cervical samples for cytological examination. Unlike the conventional ‘smear’ preparation it involves making a suspension of cells from the sample and this is used to produce a thin layer of cells on a slide.

What is liquid based cytology technique?

Liquid-based cytology is a technique that enables cells to be suspended in liquid medium and spread in monolayer and thus better morphological assessment is possible. It includes the preparation and evaluation of cells collected in a liquid fixative.

What is the difference between Pap smear and liquid based cytology?

Background: Liquid-based cervical cytology was developed to improve the diagnostic reliability of Papanicolaou (Pap) smears. Conventional Pap smears can have false-negative and false-positive results because of inadequate sampling and slide preparation, and errors in laboratory detection and interpretation.

Why is liquid based cytology test done?

Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) is a new technique for collecting cytological samples in order to detect cervical cancer. With conventional cytology a smear taker takes a sample that is applied directly to a slide for microscopic investigation.

How is cervical cytology performed?

The method consists of sampling cells from the cervix. A doctor or nurse inserts an instrument (a speculum) to open the woman’s vagina so that they can see the cervix. The sample of cells from the surface of the cervix is obtained using a small brush.

What are the advantages of liquid-based cytology?

Liquid-based cytology (LBC) has advantages of fewer unsatisfactory smears, faster and more efficient method, more accurate interpretation, less obscuring materials such as blood, mucous, inflammatory cells in smears and the use of residual cell suspension for testing human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA and …

How do you collect liquid-based cytology?

Alternative collection method: A plastic spatula and cytobrush may also be used to collect LBC samples. Insert the spatula into the cervical os and rotate 360° with firm pressure. For SurePath: Snap off the head of the spatula (avoid touching the head of the device), and drop into the liquid vial (avoid splashing).

What is the normal result of Pap smear?

A normal, also called negative, Pap smear result indicates that no evidence of abnormal cells were found in the sample. An abnormal, or positive, result on a Pap smear indicates that abnormal cells were detected in the sample and additional treatment or testing may be necessary.

What does cytology mean?

Cytology is the exam of a single cell type, as often found in fluid specimens. It’s mainly used to diagnose or screen for cancer. It’s also used to screen for fetal abnormalities, for pap smears, to diagnose infectious organisms, and in other screening and diagnostic areas.

What is abnormal cervical cytology?

An abnormal cervical screening test result means that you have changes in the cells covering the neck of your womb (cervix). These changes are not cancer. The cells often go back to normal by themselves. But in some women, if not treated, these changes could develop into cancer in the future.

Is cervical screening painful?

Does it hurt? Most people won’t experience pain from cervical screening, but sometimes the speculum can be uncomfortable. In some cases, the muscles around the vagina can tighten, which can make it difficult to insert the speculum, and sometimes this is painful.

How is liquid based cytology used in cervical screening?

At the laboratory the liquid is treated to remove other elements such as mucus before a layer of cells is placed on a slide. The technique allows more accurate results. The UK screening programmes changed their cervical screening method from the Pap test to liquid-based cytology in 2008.

Is there a difference between Pap smear and liquid based cytology?

Conventional Pap smear method has been the mainstay of most of the screening programs for many decades. However, this technique is not without limitations, and the sensitivity and specificity of cervical cytology are relatively low.

Which is the only method of cervical cancer screening?

For many years, cytology -based screening, known as the Pap test or Pap smear, was the only method of screening. Its use reduced cervical cancer incidence and deaths in countries where screening is common.

When did liquid based cytology start in the UK?

The technique improves specimen adequacy and HSIL detection. The United Kingdom screening programmes changed their cervical screening method from the Pap test to liquid-based cytology in 2008.