Detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia using impedance spectroscopy: a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare cervical impedance spectrometry in the cervical epithelium of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and normal epithelium.


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
Colposcopy clinic, Jessop Wing, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.


METHODS
Eighty-seven women referred to colposcopy with a moderate or severely dyskaryotic smear.


METHODS
A pencil probe incorporating four gold electrodes was used to measure an electrical impedance spectrum from cervical epithelium. Colposcopy examinations, including probe positioning, were recorded by video to allow for correlation between results obtained from colposcopic impression, histopathological examination of colposcopically directed punch biopsies and the impedance measurements.


METHODS
Cervical impedance derived parameters R, S and C were assessed to see if there was a significant difference in values obtained in CIN and normal squamous epithelium. Analysis was based upon matching the electrical components measured to those identified by cellular modelling as being most sensitive for premalignancy.


RESULTS
From normal epithelium through CIN 1 to CIN 2/3, R decreased by a factor of 4.5, S increased by a factor of 2.5 but C remained unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
Cervical impedance spectrometry provides a potentially promising screening tool with similar sensitivity and specificity to currently used screening tests, but with the potential advantage of providing instant results. Further work is currently being undertaken to improve the probe in its clinical use.
Brown
Brian H
BH
Department of Medical Physics, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, UK.
Milnes
Peter
P
Abdul
Summi
S
Tidy
John A
JA
D019540:Area Under Curve; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000473:pathology*; D003127:Colposcopy / Q000379:methods; D017097:Electric Impedance; D004566:Electrodes; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000175:diagnosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000175:diagnosis*