Diagnostic accuracy of the Accurette endometrial sampler.

The value of the Accurette endometrial sampler in the cytological and histological assessment of the endometrium was studied in 42 anaesthetized patients. Satisfactory samples for cytological diagnosis of endometrial state were obtained in 23 patients out of 24 (96%), whereas endometrial specimens suitable for histological diagnosis were obtained in 23 out of 29 patients (79%). Immediately following Accurette sampling, conventional dilatation and curettage was performed. Histological diagnosis of Accurette samples correlated with that of formal curettage in all instances except in the detection of polyps. Cytological findings with the Accurette did not correlate with those of formal curettage in 2 cases. Nevertheless, interpretation of endometrial cytology, which requires specialized knowledge and experience, is shown to provide helpful information especially in cases where curettage fails to yield tissue.