Background: Several devices have been used in cervical cytology taking (swab, spatula, broom, and brushes), with the aim of reducing false negative results and exfoliating more epithelial cells from squamous columnar line and endocervix. In our study, the cytology of cervicovaginal smears obtained by broom was compared with those obtained by cotton-tipped swab and wooden spatula.
Materials and Methods: In this comparative study, combined cervicovaginal smear was collected from 270 women by cotton-tipped swab+ wooden spatula or broom, randomly. In group 1 (n= 131), cervical cytology was taken by cotton-tipped swab+ wooden spatula, while in group 2 (n= 138), it was taken by broom. Smears were evaluated using standard parameters for an optimal smear: evenly dispersed, well-preserved, adequate cells from the transformation zone.
Results: The number of satisfactory but limited samples due to absence of endocervical cell in the broom group was significantly lower than another group (p<0.05). Obtaining abnormal cells, bleeding and inflammation was similar in the cotton-tipped swab+wooden spatula and broom.
Conclusion: A properly prepared wooden spatula is an inexpensive, readily available, nontraumatic collection device that yields smear of optimal quality. The cotton-tipped swab performs poorly. However, this study showed the number of satisfactory but limited samples due to absence of endocervical cell is significantly reduced with the broom.