This method is less invasive than the conventional Pap smear test.
The LBC test is also known as ThinPrep.
It was approved by the FDA in 2000 and is now considered the primary screening tool for cervical cancer.
The LBC test is used to detect high-risk HPV and low-grade cervical changes..
Although several disadvantages have been reported with this technique, such as problems related to the reduction or alteration in background and extracellular material, disruption in architectural integrity and altered cellular morphology as well as increased cost of cell preparation, it is now widely accepted that the .
The main advantages of moving to LBC are: A reduction in number of unsatisfactory smears.
Quicker lab turnaround time.
The ability to use same sample for HPV..
However, liquid-based cytology rinses cervical cells in preservatives so that blood and other potentially obscuring material can be separated.
It also allows for additional testing of the sample, such as for human papillomavirus (HPV).Feb 15, 2010.
The results of the cytology showing the differences in test positivity and specimen adequacy were recently published.
This article focuses on the histological detection rates and PPVs.
This randomized controlled trial involved women aged 30 to 60 years who were participating in the Dutch cervical screening program.
Conclusion This study indicates that liquid-based cytology does not perform better than conventional Pap tests in terms of relative sensitivity and PPV for detection of cervical cancer precursors.
The conventional papanicolaou (Pap) test is considered suboptimal due to false-negative and false-positive test results.
However, liquid-based cytology rinses cervical cells in preservatives so that blood and other potentially obscuring material can be separated.
It also allows for additional testing of the sample, such as:
