Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
Published on: July 6, 2014
Improving cervical cytology screening in a remote, high risk population
P W Shield1, G R Nolan, G E Phillips
1Queensland Cytology Service, Queensland Health Pathology Service, Royal Brisbane Hospital.
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.
