Accuracy of a low priced liquid-based method for cervical cytology in 632 women referred for colposcopy after a positive Pap smear.

The aim of this quality controlling study was to determine the accuracy of liquid-based cytology (LBC) with the Turbitec cytocentrifuge technique. Cervical smears of 632 women, who were referred to our CIN outpatient department, after at least two smears with ASCUS or higher were evaluated and compared with the histological outcome. In 592 cases the smears revealed abnormalities of squamous epithelium, and in 40 cases the abnormalities of glandular epithelium. In the group of squamous epithelium abnormalities, the sensitivity for LSIL was 39.7% and the specificity was 89.2%; for the LSIL+ group, these values were 89.4% and 91.4%, respectively. For HSIL the sensitivity was 68.3% and the specificity 92.8%, for the HSIL+ group 82.3% and 92.3%, respectively. The ASCUS rate was low (2.4%). The Turbitec cytocentrifuge method was proved to be a very good LBC method for cervical smears. Because of a comparable accuracy together with a lower price, this LBC method outweighs commercial alternatives.