Sampling endocervical cells on cervical smears: a comparison of two instruments used in general practice. Cumbrian Practice Research Group.

The Aylesbury spatula and a newer plastic device, the Cervex sampler (Steriseal), have been compared in a prospective study, to assess their ability to obtain endocervical cells on cervical smears taken in general practice. Twelve general practitioners in Cumbria took part in the study each taking equal numbers of smears from women with the Aylesbury spatula and the Cervex sampler. On average each practice took 20 smears with each instrument. All women attending for cervical smears for whatever reason were included in the study. Endocervical cells were reported in 62.8% of smears taken with the Aylesbury spatula and in 78.2% taken with the Cervex sampler (odds ratio 1.24, 95% confidence interval 1.10 to 1.41). Increasing the percentage of smears which contain endocervical cells by using the Cervex sampler would reduce the number of repeat tests needed. This would cut down anxiety and inconvenience for the patient, and reduce costs for the health service.