Effects of gel lubricant on cervical cytology

• Main Authors: Charoenkwan K., Nimmanahaeminda K., Khunamornpong S., Srisomboon J., Thorner P.S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-56749134324&partnerID=40&md5=ac73b33d51328b1e639faea692da3e5f; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19068667; http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/handle/6653943832/2341
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

Objective: To determine whether the use of lubricating gel during vaginal speculum examination affected cytologic interpretation in the conventional Pap smear. Study Design: Two consecutive cervical smears were obtained from 1,334 patients undergoing Pap smear screening. The first smear (uncontaminated) was obtained using the routine collection technique. The second smear (gel-contaminated) was taken after applying a 1- to 1.5-cm ribbon of lubricating gel onto the external cervical os. Adequacy of Pap smear and discordance in diagnosis between the paired smears were examined. Results: The proportion of unsatisfactory smears was significantly higher in the gel-contaminated smears, 12.1% vs. 1.7% (p < 0.01). This difference was consistent across all reproductive groups. For patients who had smears satisfactoiy for cytologic evaluation, the discordance in cytologic diagnosis between the gel-contaminated and uncontaminated smears from the same patient was 0.3%. Conclusion: Lubricating gel contamination of the cervix can adversely affect adequacy and cytologic diagnosis in the conventional Pap smear. © The International Academy of Cytology.