Evaluation of cellular residue in the ThinPrep (R) PreservCyt (TM) vial

The ThinPrep Pap Test(TM) is a fluid-based method used for the collection a nd preparation of cervicovaginal samples. The collection device(s) is/are r insed in Cytyc's ThinPrep(R) PresenCyt(TM) medium and a thin-layer slide is prepared rising the ThinPrep 2000 automated processor. The purpose of this study was to determine the detection rates for cervical lesions utilizing an additional ThinPrep slide. Fifty-four cervical samples processed by the ThinPrep method were reviewed. An additional thin-layer slide was obtained from the cellular residue for each case utilizing a new filter. Case select ion criteria included cases with a ferc equivocal cells, a few diagnostic c ells, or several low-grade dysplastic cells seen on the original ThinPrep, slide. The original slides and repeat slides were reviewed by tno cytopatho logists and two cytopathology fellows. Fifty-four patients were included in the study, mean age 35 years (range: 16-76). The original diagnoses includ ed: 17 negative cases, 22 atypical squamous cells of undetermined significa nce (ASCUS), 10 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LGSILs), four h igh-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HGSILs), and one case of atypic al glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS). On the repeat slide s the diagnosis remained the same in 42 (77.8%) cases, diagnostic cells wer e nor present in 10 (18.5%) cases, fungal elements consistent with candida were detected on the repent smear in one case (1.8%), and higher grade dysp lastic cells were found in two cases 13.7%). Our study showed that the Thin Prep method provides a representative, diagnostic sample on the slide. Repe nt processing adds little to the overall diagnosis. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, In c.