Public Summary Document Application No. 1157 – Cell Enrichment Liquid Based Cytology in Routine Screening for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer

Liquid-based cytology uses a different method for preparing cervical cells for cytological examination than the Pap smear test (i.e. conventional cytology or CC). Cells are collected from the cervix using a brush, broom or spatula in the same way as they are collected for a Pap smear, but instead of smearing the cells directly onto a glass slide, the head of the brush or spatula is either rinsed or detached into a vial of LBC preservative fluid to produce a cell suspension which is sent to the laboratory. Under LBC at the laboratory, the cell sample is treated to remove obscuring factors, such as blood, mucus and inflammatory cells, so that a thin layer of cervical cells can be placed on a slide for microscopic examination.