Classification applied to smears in hormone cytology

Hormone cytology smears have been classified using a standard method of graph theory. The Euclidean distance was chosen as a suitable measure of the dissimilarity between smears. Maximum cliques were defined as groups to which no further element can be added without invalidating the group-defining distance. Both the type and number of cells found in the smear influence the classification. The absolute number of cells appears to be especially appropriate for the discrimination of the different proliferation stages of vaginal epithelium. However, the elaboration of an adequate sampling procedure is necessary for obtaining smears from the lateral wall of the vagina, as well as for the improved preparation of the smears themselves.