Evaluation of 3325 cervical smear tests:comparison of thin prep cytology test and TBS classification

Objective:To evaluate the accuracy of thin prep cytology test(TCT) in the screening of cervical carcinoma.Methods: 3325 outpatients receiving cervical cancer screening were tested using TCT and cervical PAP smear tests.Diagnosis was made using the TBS classification.Those with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance,(ASCUS) were tested further by colposcopic examination and biopsy.Results:The rates of detection of LSIL changes or higher by TCT and PAP smear test were 2.2%and 1.28%respectively. This difference was statistcally significant(P0.01).The correlation between TCT and positive colposcopic result for LSIL,high grade intraepithelial change(HSIL) and squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) were 75%,89%and 100%respectively.The correlation between PAP smear test result for LSIL,HSIL and SCC were 46.4%,50%and 50%respectively.The difference between the two tests was statistically significant(P0.01).Conclusion:TCT is more sensitive than the traditional PAP smear test.TCT results in higher rate of detection of cervical carcinoma as well as its precancerous stage.The use of TCT in cervical carcinoma screening will help to detect signs of early cervical cancer changes.