Patient acceptance of fluorescent and reflective spectroscopy as a replacement test for the pap smear.
OBJECTIVE
To determine women's acceptance of fluorescent and reflective spectroscopy (FRS) as a potential replacement test for the Pap smear.


METHODS
Women scheduled for a colposcopic examination, or a colposcopic and FRS examination, completed a 22-item questionnaire that included demographic data, medical history, and preference-type questions. Data were compared using chi and Wilcoxon's rank sum tests.


RESULTS
Women considered accuracy, comfort, and quick results to be the most important characteristics for new cervical cancer tests. Immediate test results were preferred strongly by both groups (control, 84.5%; scanned, 88.6%). Provided FRS was more accurate than the Pap smear, most women (control, 74.7%; scanned, 68.2%) would rather have FRS if it cost the same as a Pap smear.


CONCLUSIONS
Women consider accuracy, comfort, and time critical issues with respect to FRS used as a primary screening test. Acceptance of this new technology will be facilitated by designing equipment accordingly to satisfy the concerns of women.
Ferris
Daron G
DG
Department of Family Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA. dferris@mail.mcg.edu
Dickman
Eileen D
ED
Litaker
Mark S
MS
Smith
Kelly M
KM
Allmond
Lynn M
LM
Arrington
Terry L
TL