Improving cervical cytology screening in a remote, high risk population.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of the ThinPrep method to reduce rates of unsatisfactory Papanicolaou (Pap) smears in women in remote communities.


METHODS
Prospectively collected samples were split and screened conventionally and by ThinPrep at the Queensland Cytology Service.


METHODS
Three hundred women having cervical smears taken by a Mobile Women's Health Service nurse or at the antenatal and sexual health clinics of a remote north Queensland community.


METHODS
Number of Pap smears reported as unsatisfactory for evaluation and requiring a repeat smear request.


RESULTS
17.3% of conventionally prepared smears were technically unsatisfactory, compared with 6.3% prepared with ThinPrep. The overall rate of unsatisfactory smears was only 4.3% when both ThinPrep and conventional smears were assessed for a combined report.


CONCLUSIONS
A significant reduction in the proportion of unsatisfactory Pap smears is possible with the ThinPrep method. Targeted use of ThinPrep in communities with high rates of unsatisfactory smears may prove cost-effective.
Shield
P W
PW
Queensland Cytology Service, Queensland Health Pathology Service, Royal Brisbane Hospital.
Nolan
G R
GR
Phillips
G E
GE
Cummings
M C
MC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D008875:Middle Aged; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011793:Queensland; D012423:Rural Health; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D014932:Women's Health Services; D000095283:Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples