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Can an inadequate cervical cytology sample in ThinPrep be converted to a satisfactory sample by processing it with a
Sveinung Wergeland Sørbye1, Mette Kristin Pedersen2, Bente Ekeberg2
1Address: Department of Clinical Pathology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
Cytojournal
|September 14, 2017
Summary
Converting ThinPrep cytology samples to SurePath medium can improve sample adequacy. Processing with the "nongynecology" program yielded higher satisfactory rates for cervical cancer screening, reducing unsatisfactory results.
Area of Science:
- Cytopathology
- Cervical Cancer Screening
- Diagnostic Laboratory Science
Background:
- The Norwegian Cervical Cancer Screening Program mandates triennial screening for women aged 25-69.
- Significant variability exists in unsatisfactory sample rates among laboratories using different liquid-based cytology brands.
- This study investigated converting inadequate ThinPrep specimens to SurePath for improved sample quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if inadequate ThinPrep cytology samples can be rendered satisfactory by reprocessing with the SurePath protocol.
- To evaluate the efficacy of SurePath conversion for improving cervical cytology sample adequacy.
- To compare the success rates of SurePath conversion using gynecologic versus nongynecologic automated programs.
Main Methods:
- 187 inadequate ThinPrep specimens were converted to SurePath medium.
- Specimens were processed using either the automated "gynecologic" (n=91) or "nongynecological" (n=96) application.
- Sample adequacy and diagnostic yield were assessed post-conversion.
Main Results:
- 49.7% (93/187) of initially unsatisfactory ThinPrep samples became satisfactory after SurePath conversion.
- Satisfactory rates were higher with the "nongynecology" program (62.5%) compared to the "gynecology" program (36.6%).
- Of the satisfactory converted samples, 14.0% showed abnormal findings, including cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or higher in 2.1% upon follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Conversion of ThinPrep cytology samples to SurePath processing effectively reduces the rate of unsatisfactory specimens.
- Utilizing the "nongynecology" automated program for SurePath conversion is recommended to maximize cell adequacy.
- This method offers a viable strategy to improve the efficiency of cervical cancer screening programs by salvaging inadequate samples.
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