[Why we prefer the thin layer technique to conventional Pap smears. A double-blind study of 473 specimens].
The study evaluated the feasibility of a thinlayer technique on a routine basis for cervical smears and compared 473 ThinPrep preparations to the matched conventional Papsmears. The interpretation was double-blind and performed according to the Bethesda system. A consensus was established in discordant cases. The technique was easily mastered by gynecologists and technicians. Main advantages of the thinlayer technique were: a low number (1%) of unsatisfactory samples; a constant quality; homogeneity of cell distribution; the disappearance of problems of interpretation due to fixation or smear artifacts, red cells, polymorphs; a more precise interpretation, a firmer diagnosis; less visual fatigue; a shorter time of interpretation; the possibility of preparing more slides and performing special techniques on the same specimen. Main disadvantages were a higher cost and a necessary period of learning for cytologists.
Service d'Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques, Hôpital Calmette, CHRU, Lille.
F
F
Boman
I
I
Farré
M O
MO
Farine
J L
JL
Leroy
A
A
Gauthier
D
D
Querleu
M C
MC
Vacher-Lavenu
D000328:Adult; D003581:Cytodiagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D014626:Vaginal Smears
Pourquoi nous préférons la technique en couche mince aux frottis cervico-utérins conventionnels. Etude en double aveugle de 473 prélèvements.