A comparison of four cytological sampling techniques in a genitourinary medicine clinic

Four cytological sampling techniques (the Ayre's spatula alone, the Ayelesbury spatula, the Ayre's spatula in conjunction with a Cytobrush (Medscand), and the Cervex (Steriseal] were compared when used in a genitourinary medicine clinic. Over a period of two years 6991 smears were taken. No difference was found between the methods with regard to detection of dyskaryosis, although there were significant differences in the percentage of smears containing endocervical cells.