Collection devices for cervicovaginal cytology: a comparison

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Cytology
• Cervical Cancer Screening

Background:

• Cervicovaginal smear quality is crucial for accurate cervical cancer screening.
• Various collection devices exist, each with potential advantages and disadvantages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of cotton-tipped swabs, cervix brushes, and modified Ayre spatulas for collecting cervicovaginal smears.
• To evaluate smear quality based on cell dispersion, preservation, and adequacy from the transformation zone.

Main Methods:

• 100 women underwent cervicovaginal smear collection using three devices in random order.
• Smears were assessed for optimal parameters: even dispersion, good preservation, and adequate transformation zone cells.
• Cost and availability of devices were also considered.

Main Results:

• Cotton-tipped swabs yielded the highest quality smears (thin, evenly spread, adequate, well-preserved cells).
• The Ayre spatula underperformed, failing to detect high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and adenocarcinoma.
• Cell pickup for abnormal cells was comparable between swabs and brushes.

Conclusions:

• Cotton-tipped swabs are an inexpensive, readily available, and non-traumatic option for optimal cervicovaginal smear collection.
• This device offers superior smear quality compared to cervix brushes and modified Ayre spatulas.