ADEQUACY OF CERVICAL CYTOLOGY SAMPLING WITH THE CERVEX BRUSH AND THE AYLESBURY SPATULA - A POPULATION-BASED RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Objective-To compare the adequacy of cervical cytology sampling with t wo sampling instruments commonly used in primary care-namely, the Ayle sbury spatula and the Cervex brush. Design-Pair matched, population ba sed randomised controlled trial. Setting-86 general practices and fami ly planning clinics in Greater Manchester. Subjects-15 882 cervical sm ears taken from women aged 20-64 years as part of the national instrum ents, cervical screening programme. Interventions-Participating centre s were allocated to sample with either the Cervex brush or the Aylesbu ry spatula. Main outcome measure-Inadequate smear rate. Results-5.4% a nd 5.5% (433/8086 and 426/7796) of smears taken with the Cervex brush and the Aylesbury spatula respectively were reported as inadequate (od ds ratio 0.95; 95% confidence interval 0.74 to 1.22). Conclusion-The C ervex brush offers no advantage over the Aylesbury spatula in reducing inadequate smear rates in the primary care setting.