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Related Experiment Videos

Does a zero error standard exist for the Papanicolaou smear? A pathologist's perspective

W J Frable1

  • 1Department of Pathology, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 23219, USA.

Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|March 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

The Pap smear's error rate is reviewed amid rising litigation. Public expectations for cervical cancer eradication exceed the Pap smear's current performance, necessitating education on its limitations and improved practitioner standards.

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Area of Science:

  • Gynecologic Pathology
  • Cytopathology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cervical cancer mortality remains a public health concern despite screening.
  • Increasing litigation over alleged false-negative Pap smear results impacts cytology services.
  • Public expectations for complete cervical cancer eradication are unmet by current screening capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the error rate of cervicovaginal cytology (Pap smear).
  • To examine the gap between public expectations and Pap smear test performance.
  • To address the impact of litigation and regulations on cytology laboratories.

Main Methods:

  • Historical review of Pap smear performance.
  • Analysis of current regulations affecting cytology laboratories.

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  • Examination of litigation trends related to alleged misread Pap smears.

    • Main Results:

    • The error rate of cervicovaginal cytology is a significant concern.
    • A discrepancy exists between public expectations and the actual performance of the Pap smear.
    • Litigation over false-negative Pap smears poses a threat to the test's availability.

    Conclusions:

    • Public education on the value and limitations of Pap smears is crucial.
    • Development of reasonable practitioner standards for Pap smear performance is imperative.
    • The Pap smear remains a vital, though imperfect, tool for cervical cancer screening.