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Effects of dilute acetic acid on the cervical smear
H S Cronjé1, P Divall, R H Bam
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Objective:
To evaluate the effect of 5% acetic acid on the cells and cellular content of cervical smears.
Study Design:
A randomized, controlled trial was performed with 42 patients in each group. The study group received acetic acid application to the cervix followed by a smear, while the sequence was reversed in the control group. Cytologic evaluation of the smears was done without knowledge of the group allocation in each case.
Results:
The group in which acetic acid was applied before the smear was taken showed significantly poorer staining properties of the smear (P < .0001) and also significantly lower cellular content (P = .0006).
Conclusion:
Acetic acid has adverse effects on the cervical smear and should be applied after the smear is taken.