The sample is collected in a similar way to the cervical smear, using a special device that brushes cells from the neck of the womb. Then, rather than smearing the sample onto a microscope slide as happens with the conventional smear, the head of the spatula, where the cells are lodged, is broken off into a small glass vial containing preservative fluid, or rinsed directly into the preservative fluid. The sample is sent to the laboratory where it is spun and treated to remove obscuring material, for example mucus or pus and a representative sample of the remaining cells is taken. A thin layer of the cells is deposited onto a slide. The slide is examined in the usual way under a microscope.
The main advantage of using Liquid Based Cytology is that it will reduce the number of inadequate smears taken. Inadequate smears are those where blood or other matter in the sample makes it impossible to see the cells on the slide properly so no result can be determined. In these cases, women are required to repeat the test.
For more information please contact Gail, our Head Nurse, on nurse1@ctonlineclinic.com.
