title: Physical properties of acetic acid vital in evaluating the cervix for neoplastic changes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In a "developing country" the need exists for an inexpensive, simplistic yet sensitive screening procedure which furthermore, allows for the immediate referral of patients. Research has indicated that the acetic acid test is a most viable option. Screening, however, often occurs in less than ideal conditions thus implying the exposure of the acetic acid to various fluctuating elements.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Determining the influence of temperature, time and humidity on the pH of a 5% acetic acid solution.
  
  
  METHODS
  The effect of temperature, time and humidity on the pH of a 5% acetic acid solution was determined under controlled laboratory conditions utilizing the calculated molar conductance and dissociation constant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The pH of the 5% acetic acid solution remained a constant throughout exposure to the various elements.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results imply that the quality of acetic acid, on which many alternative screening methods and colposcopy are based, remains stable under varying conditions. This is important when screening is implemented in less than ideal conditions utilizing cervicography or the acetic acid test which are primarily dependent on acetic acid.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
authors.forename: I C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Niemand
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Cronjè
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Botha
mesh_terms: D019342:Acetic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D003906:Developing Countries; D004355:Drug Stability; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D019342:Acetic Acid