[Comparison of the methods of cytobrush and Ayre spatula in the concentration of endocervical cells].

A comparison between two sampling methods of cervicovaginal material--cytobrush and Ayre's spatula--was performed to verify the endocervical cell concentration in a group of 163 asymptomatic women. Age ranged from 18 to 57 years, with an average of 30. Smears of both methods showed satisfactory cellularity for study. Cytobrush showed endocervical cells (columnar and/or metaplastic) in 100 cases (61.3%) and Ayre's spatula in 39 (20.2%). Cytobrush showed more efficient results in terms of endocervical cell concentration; according to literature, this can be an important factor in the sensitivity of the cytologic method to detect intraepithelial neoplasia.