Evaluation of the Gravlee Jet Washer using combined cell block/cytologic interpretations

Two hundred patients at high risk for endometrial adenocarcinoma were screened using the Gravlee Jet Washer. Tissue obtained from the first 100 patients was processed by cell block technic alone; tissue from the second 100 patients was processed by cell block plus direct smear and Nucleopore filtration stained by the Papanicolaou method. All patients had histologic diagnosis by fractional curettage. Six of 12 patients with a tissue diagnosis of carcinoma were missed by the jet washer using the cell block technic alone. In the second 100 patients, no cases of cancer were missed using both cell block and cytologic technics. Technic and application of the jet washer in screening for endometrial carcinoma are discussed. We conclude that the Gravlee Jet Washer is a safe, effective screening tool which frequently may replace diagnostic curettage; however, if abnormal bleeding persists, curettage must be done.