[The use of the Bethesda-terminology cytological system in clinical practice. A pilot study]

The aim of the present study is to summarize the one-year experience in applying the Bethesda terminological system (BTS) for assessment of cervical cytology. The study was based on 164 women, aged from 18 to 45, of which 98 with early pregnancy and 66 not pregnant. The materials for cytological examination were prepared by classical techniques and then coloured with hemalaun-eosin. Cytological findings were interpreted according to the revised BTS (1991), and an assessment of the adequacy of smears, possible infectious and reactive changes was made. Intraepithelial lesions were classified in two categories--low and high grade lesions. The advantages and shortcomings of the proposed new terminological, cytological classification system for assessment of the uterine cervix are discussed.