title: Comparative evaluation of seven cell collection devices for cervical smears.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the most commonly used cervical sampling devices.
  
  
  METHODS
  We examined seven cytology sampling devices (Cytobrush, Cervex brush, Szalay spatula, Papex spatula, WrGKK spatula [main social security agency in Vienna], cotton swab and loop). Eight hundred smears were assessed for even distribution of cells, percentage of slide surface covered with cells, and presence and number of endocervical cells.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Even distribution of cells was best with the WrGKK spatula. Percentage of slide surface covered with evaluable cells was best with the Cytobrush. Highest ranking for the presence of endocervical cells was found for the Cytobrush. Cotton swabs and loop showed inferior results in all categories.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of cervical cell sampling devices showing the best cytologic results improves the interpretation and validity of cervical smears. Our results suggest that cotton swabs and loops should not be used for cervical cell sampling.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology 1, Freiburg University Medical Center, Germany. pkohlb@frk1.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Kohlberger
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stani
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gitsch
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Kieback
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Breitenecker
mesh_terms: D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000592:standards*