abstract       background and objective: chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common causes of genital infection in men and women. genital chlamydial infections in women are clinically asymptomatic in 70-80% of the cases; therefore, the lack of timely diagnosis and treatment leads to complications such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy. the aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency...

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ectocervical sampling methods and sequence on Papanicolaou smear adequacy. METHODS A randomized clinical trial was performed using either a curved cytologic sampling brush or Ayre spatula for ectocervical sampling before or after a straight sampling brush for endocervical sampling. RESULTS The adequacy of ectocervical smear...

1 Chapter

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 rinse...

Embryo cryopreservation is an indispensable technique in reproductive programs and in animal facilities where genetically modified mice are used extensively. Here we report the use of a vitrification spatula (VS) that can be readily homemade and has a large holding capacity to vitrify preimplantation mammalian embryos in a micro-drop employing ultra-rapid cooling in liquid nitrogen (LN2). Vitri...