Comparison of endometrial aspiration biopsy techniques: specimen adequacy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare adequacy of specimens obtained by 3 different endometrial aspiration biopsy techniques--corkscrew, modified dilatation and curettage (D&C) and a combination of both, with or without povidone-iodine cervical cleansing.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review of a single group practice using a single endometrial aspiration biopsy device for all 3 techniques. Each attending indicated their method of use with the device. For diagnostic purposes, specimen adequacy was categorized as "satisfactory," "suboptimal" and "insufficient."


RESULTS
There were 66 corkscrew, 71 modified D&C and 55 biopsies performed using the combined technique. Mean age was 48; 62.5% were premenopausal and 89% had a normal-sized uterus. Postmenopausal patients were more likely than younger women to have suboptimal or insufficient samples, 27% vs. 11%, respectively. Using the combined technique was better (95%) than the corkscrew alone (77%) for satisfactory specimens. Diagnosis was possible in 90% of specimens.


CONCLUSIONS
The combined technique appears to be better than using either technique alone. Povidone-iodine cervical cleansing is safe but may be unnecessary. Because of the large numbers of endometrial biopsies performed yearly, even a small difference in test characteristics can have significant clinical ramifications.
Sierecki
Ava R
AR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Downtown Hospital, New York 10038, USA.
Gudipudi
Deleep Kumar
DK
Montemarano
Nadine
N
Del Priore
Giuseppe
G
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004107:Dilatation and Curettage / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D004714:Endometrial Hyperplasia / Q000473:pathology; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013048:Specimen Handling