Abstract

Liquid-Based Uterine Cervicovaginal Cytology is known to be a sensitive and effective screening method for cervical neoplasm. MonoPrepTM, ThinPrepTM, and SurePathTM methods have been recently used as Liquid- Based Uterine Cervicovaginal Cytology techniques, and the SurePathTM method has been used in Sung-Yoon Reference Laboratory since 2003. The goal of Liquid-Based Uterine Cervicovaginal Cytology is to separate cervical epithelial cells from non-target cells, red blood cells and neutrophils. This report describes a study which evaluated cellularity, stainability, and cellular changes of epithelial cells in samples processed using a manual technique as compared to samples processed using SurePathTM automated method. The samples processed by means of a manual technique contained a cellularity of epithelial cells similar to that of the samples processed using the SurePathTM automated method. In addition, we compared variable density gradient reagents, including dextran, dextrose, and sucrose, to SurePathTM gradient media in order to evaluate cell fractionation and cellularity of epithelial cells. 10% dextran of gradient media shows good fractionation. The samples processed with 10% dextran demonstrated sufficient cellularity of epithelial cells and shows the fewest cellular changes. In conclusion, using a manual technique on these samples is easier to read than those results obtained using the SurePathTM automated method.

• Keywords: Liquid-Based cytology;Uterine cervix;SurePathTM method;Manual technique;Gradient media