A trial of two methods of taking cervical smears: the Aylesbury spatula plus cytology brush compared to the Cervex broom.

Objective: To compare the adequacy of cervical smear taking, using the Aylesbury spatula plus cytology brush with the Cervex broom.

Methods: Two cervical smears were taken at the same visit, the women acting as their own controls. In Group 1 comprising 81 women, the first smear was taken using the Cervex broom. In Group 2 comprising 97 women, the first smear was taken using the Aylesbury spatula followed by the cytology brush. The tips of the samplers were sent to the laboratory in a cytology container with 30% ethyl alcohol in saline, for analysis of residual cells.

Results: It took experienced staff two or three smears before they were adept at taking an adequate Cervex broom sample as defined by the presence of endocervical cells. Both techniques were equally good at detecting significant abnormalities. When the Cervex broom was used first there were more smears with no blood present but when bleeding occurred there was no significant difference between the two groups. Both techniques were well accepted by the women.

Conclusions: Although it is more expensive than the Aylesbury spatula and the cytology brush the Cervex broom has the advantage of allowing a simple one step procedure, thereby reducing the potential for air drying.