title: Satisfactory sampling in cytological cervical diagnosis: comparison between a conventional and a new sampling device.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Inadequate cervical sampling is the most frequent cause of misdiagnosis in cervical cancer screening. The aim of this study was to test the ability of PapCone® versus the conventional sampling method (Ayre's spatula plus cytobrush) to collect ectocervical and glandular cells.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 18 healthy women, two ecto-endocervical samples, obtained by two different methods, were obtained at a three-month interval. Qualitative and quantitative parameters were evaluated. Ultrastructure features of sampling devices were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after sampling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The χ(2) test revealed a statistically significant difference between the two methods: PapCone® caused less cell overlap and sampled less white blood cells (p<0.05) and more metaplastic cells (p<0.01). SEM evaluation highlighted the porous and spongy structure of PapCone® that was responsible for the large number of glandular cells on its surface.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cervical smears performed by PapCone® were adequate and generally easier to screen than conventionally performed ones.
authors.affiliation: Via Michele Amari 47, 00179 Roma, Italy. luki.anki@tin.it
authors.forename: Ankica
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lukic
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Iannaccio
authors.forename: Rosemarie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Heyn
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Villani
authors.forename: Flavia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nobili
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Giarnieri
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mancini
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moscarini
authors.forename: Maria Rosaria
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Giovagnoli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods