What is cervical exfoliative cytology test?

Cervical exfoliative cytology examination is a screening method that collects cervical exfoliated cells for pathological analysis. It is mainly used for early detection of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. Cervical exfoliative cytology examination mainly includes five methods: Pap smear examination, liquid-based thin-layer cytology examination, computer-assisted cytology examination, human papillomavirus joint detection, and cytopathological diagnosis.

1. Pap smear test

Pap smear examination is a traditional cervical exfoliative cytology examination method. The exfoliated cells on the surface of the cervix are scraped, smeared on a glass slide, fixed and stained for observation. This method is simple to operate and low-cost, but there may be problems such as cell overlap and background interference that affect diagnostic accuracy. Pap smears are suitable for routine cervical cancer screening and can detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and other lesions.

2. Liquid-based thin-layer cytology examination

Liquid-based thin-layer cytology uses a special preservation solution to collect cervical exfoliated cells, and then produces single-layer cell sheets through centrifugal filtration. Compared with traditional Pap smear, liquid-based thin-layer cytology examination can reduce the interference of blood mucus and improve the cell detection rate and diagnostic accuracy. This method has a high detection rate for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and early cervical cancer, and is currently the mainstream cervical cancer screening technology.

3. Computer-assisted cytology detection

Computer-assisted cytology testing combines artificial intelligence technology to automatically analyze and screen cervical exfoliated cell images. The system can identify and label suspicious cells, assisting pathologists in improving the efficiency and accuracy of image reading. Computer-assisted cytology testing is suitable for large-scale cervical cancer screening programs and can reduce the missed diagnosis rate, but the equipment cost is high.

4. Combined detection of human papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus combined testing adds high-risk HPV DNA detection to cytological examination to improve the sensitivity of cervical cancer screening. This method can identify people at high risk of persistent HPV infection, and has greater screening value for women over 30 years old. Those with abnormal combined human papillomavirus test results need further colposcopy to determine whether there are cervical lesions.

5. Cytopathological diagnosis

Cytopathological diagnosis is performed by professional pathologists to evaluate the morphological characteristics of cervical exfoliated cells and grade them using the TBS reporting system. The diagnostic results were divided into no intraepithelial lesions, atypical squamous cells, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and squamous cell carcinoma. Cytopathological diagnosis is the gold standard for cervical cancer screening and can provide a precise basis for clinical management.

It is recommended that women aged 21-65 undergo regular cervical exfoliative cytology examinations. Women who are sexually active should be screened every 3 years. If they are over 30 years old, it can be extended to 5 years with combined HPV testing. Vaginal douching, medication, and sexual intercourse should be avoided 24 hours before the examination, and examinations should not be performed during the menstrual period. If you find abnormal results, you should seek medical treatment promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for further examinations such as colposcopy or tissue biopsy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer.