Utility of residual AutoCyte cervical cytology samples for image analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the utility of residual liquid-preserved cervical cytology samples for DNA profiling studies.


METHODS
Ninety-nine liquid-preserved cervical cytology samples from a high-risk population were received two months after the initial diagnosis at another laboratory. Each residual sample was processed to yield one Papanicolaou-stained and one Feulgen-thionin-stained slide. The former were examined manually without knowledge of the submitted findings and were also examined on the AutoCyte SCREEN interactive system. DNA profiling of > 185 cells per case was performed on an RPW image analyzer. Results were compared with submitted diagnoses.


RESULTS
The 99 cases included 59 normals, 9 ASCUS/AGCUS, 16 HSIL, 12 carcinomas and 3 unsatisfactory. Interlaboratory agreement between residual and initial samples was good (unweighted kappa = .609). Abnormals were characterized by 2C deviation indices > 2.0 and 5C exceeding rates > 4.37%. AutoCyte SCREEN system examination of residual slides of high grade abnormalities was 100% sensitive and 40% specific.


CONCLUSIONS
Residual AutoCyte cervical cytology samples are stable and yield reproducible results for routine and ancillary studies of cervical cytologic abnormalities. The AutoCyte SCREEN system was 100% sensitive for high grade abnormalities in this enriched sample, even when operating on residual material.
Bishop
J W
JW
Department of Pathology, Saint Joseph Hospital, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
Cheuvront
D A
DA
Elston
R J
RJ
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D010338:Pathology, Clinical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology