Application of the CytoRich monolayer preparation system for cervical cytology. A prelude to automated primary screening.
OBJECTIVE
To compare AutoCyte's CytoRich monolayer preparation method with the conventional cervical cytology smear method as a reliable alternative for cervical cytology screening.


METHODS
After conventional smears were prepared, sample collection devices were placed in vials containing CytoRich cell-preservative fluid. The residual sample material was rinsed into the vials and prepared on glass slides by the CytoRich system. CytoRich monolayer preparations were then compared microscopically with matched conventional smears in a blind assessment in order to confirm whether diagnostic cells were present on the glass slides when the CytoRich method was used.


RESULTS
A total of 2,000 samples, including cases with low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), high grade SIL and cancer were studied. Of 58 cases diagnosed as SIL from either the conventional or CytoRich preparation, 46 cases were in agreement. The overall agreement, including negatives and abnormal cases greater than low grade SIL, was 98.8%.


CONCLUSIONS
Dysplastic and cancer cells were detected satisfactorily on the 13-mm-diameter CytoRich monolayers. These preparations are not only satisfactory for rapid manual microscopic examination but also are applicable for evaluation using automated screening systems.
Takahashi
M
M
CytoPath Science, SRL Inc., Tokyo, Japan.
Naito
M
M
D001331:Automation / Q000379:methods; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000166:cytology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*