Shared conventional vs liquid- based cytology techniques Comparación entre las técnicas de citología compartida: convencional vs. base líquida

Abstract

Objective: to describe cervix cytology techniques, that is, the conventional method vs liquid- based preparations, taken during social projection campaigns, in terms of sample quality and morphologic findings, in sexually active women of reproductive age. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study in 29 women in which cytology was performed, half of them by the conventional method (smear on a slide) and the other half by a liquid-based preparation. The shared sample method was used (keeping the spatula and cytology brush in LucBase solution). Women who were pregnant, menstruating or had received chemotherapy or radiotherapy were excluded. Results: The variable on quality of the sample showed that of the 29 conventional samples, 16 had endocervical or transformation zone material, while only one on liquid- based preparation had endocervix. As to the reading records, out of 29 conventional samples, 3 were interpreted as ASCUS; out of 14 liquid-based, 12 were inadequate and two were rejected. A 7 minute difference in performing the liquid-based technique was found compared to the conventional technique. Conclusions: an increased cellularity and endocervix pre­ sence was found in the conventional technique when comparing the shared sample for the two techniques. Liquid-based preparations showed a dirty background consisting of inftammation, mucus and cellular detritus, not complying with one of the features of technique improvement. When performing the conventional smear first, the material preserved for the liquid- based technique is reduced or fade in the shared sample. Our new studies are focused on the use of new technologies for liquid- based preparations such as ThinPrep and SurePath.