["Papanicolaou." Outmoded, isn't it?]

The quality of cytopathology services in the United States has recently come under public scrutiny. While numerous studies have demonstrated remarkable success of the PAPANICOLAOU test in the reduction of cervical cancer, problems that include inadequacies in obtaining the sample, processing the sample screening and interpretation based on the PAPANICOLAOU Classification have been questioned. The recommendations of expert consultants attending a workshop sponsored by the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Institutes regarding utilization of the Pap Smear have been made and published as the Bethesda System. In general terms, the recommendations are: 1. The cytopathology report is a medical consultation 2. The PAPANICOLAOU classification for reporting consultations is not acceptable in the modern practice of diagnostic cytopathology. 3. The recommendations made by participant and here published, should serve as a guideline for reports. 4. All reports should include: a. A statement regarding adequacy b. A designation of normal or otherwise. c. A descriptive diagnosis.